Boston Scientific and Aspect Medical Systems Form Strategic Alliance for Brain Monitoring Technology

Strategic Insights -

Boston Scientific Corporation and Aspect Medical Systems, Inc. have announced a strategic alliance to develop new brain monitoring technology designed to aid the diagnosis and treatment of depression, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological conditions. The alliance will support the development of new tools to guide therapy management for patients with these conditions. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), approximately 18.8 million Americans suffer from depression, and four million have Alzheimer's disease. The alliance aims to improve patient care and quality of life for millions of people.

Key Takeaways:

  • Boston Scientific will provide Aspect with $25 million to fund the development of new brain monitoring technology.
  • The technology may help clinicians improve patient response to antidepressant therapy and provide early identification of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.
  • Four studies related to the use of Aspect's brain monitoring technology in detecting and managing neurological and psychiatric conditions are being presented at the APA meeting.
  • The research supports previous studies indicating that Aspect's brain monitoring technology can predict the effectiveness of antidepressant medications in treating depressed patients within a few days of initiating treatment.
  • The technology correlates with clinical assessments of mild cognitive dysfunction, which may precede the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
  • The agreement between Aspect and Boston Scientific will allow the companies to share equally in the profits from products developed to treat and manage depression and other neurological disorders.
  • Up to 20 percent of the funds provided by Boston Scientific may be used to support Aspect's Alzheimer's disease research and development initiatives.
  • Aspect will retain all commercial rights for products developed in the area of Alzheimer's disease.

Statistics:

  • 18.8 million Americans suffer from depression (APA).
  • Four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease (APA).
  • Aspect's BIS technology has been used to assess over 11.3 million patients.
  • Aspect has OEM agreements with seven leading manufacturers of patient monitoring systems.
  • 38 percent of domestic operating rooms have Aspect's BIS technology installed.
  • Aspect's technology is available in over 160 countries.

Sources:

  • Boston Scientific Corporation and Aspect Medical Systems, Inc. press release (May 23).
  • American Psychiatric Association (APA) meeting (May 21-26).
  • Aspect Medical Systems, Inc. press release (May 23).
  • Boston Scientific Corporation press release (May 23).