Phantom Neuro, a pioneering neurotechnology company, has recently secured $19 million in funding to advance its innovative solutions aimed at improving prosthetic limb control for amputees. This substantial investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to develop intuitive and lifelike control systems for robotic orthopedic devices.
Innovative Technology for Enhanced Prosthetic Control
At the heart of Phantom Neuro’s advancements is the Phantom X platform, a minimally invasive neural interface designed to provide users with intuitive control over prosthetic limbs and robotic devices. Unlike traditional prosthetic control systems that often rely on surface electromyography or complex brain-machine interfaces, Phantom X utilizes a subdermal implant that decodes natural human movement. This approach offers a more seamless and natural experience for users, potentially restoring up to 85% of functionality with just 10 minutes of calibration.
Clinical Validation and FDA Recognition
The efficacy of the Phantom X platform has been demonstrated through the company’s ASCENT study, which achieved an impressive 94% accuracy in decoding real-time gestures across 11 essential hand and wrist movements. This level of precision signifies a substantial advancement in prosthetic control technology, offering users more natural and intuitive movement capabilities.
In recognition of its potential, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Phantom Neuro both the Breakthrough Device Designation and the Targeted Acceleration Pathway (TAP) Designation. These designations facilitate early and strategic communication with the FDA, potentially expediting the regulatory review process and accelerating the path to commercialization.
Strategic Partnerships and Funding
The recent $19 million funding round was led by Ottobock, a German manufacturer of prosthetics and other medical devices, serving as a strategic backer. The round also saw participation from previous investors, including Breakout Ventures, Draper Associates, LionBird Ventures, Time BioVentures, and Risk and Return (R²), as well as new investors such as Actual VC, METIS Innovative, e1 Ventures, Jumpspace, MainSheet Ventures, and Brown Advisory. This diverse group of investors underscores the broad interest and confidence in Phantom Neuro’s technology and its potential impact on the prosthetics industry.
Founder’s Vision and Journey
Dr. Connor Glass, the founder and CEO of Phantom Neuro, has a background that uniquely positions him to lead this venture. After completing his medical degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Dr. Glass pursued a research fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. It was during this time that he recognized the gap between technological advancements in prosthetics and the actual outcomes experienced by patients. This realization fueled his commitment to developing solutions that bridge this divide, ultimately leading to the creation of Phantom Neuro.
Future Prospects and Impact
With the new funding, Phantom Neuro plans to advance its clinical development program, with additional trials scheduled for 2025. The company’s technology pipeline aims to expand the possibilities for individuals with limb loss and severe mobility impairments, focusing on enhancing independence and quality of life through improved prosthetic control.
The minimally invasive nature of the Phantom X platform’s implantation procedure makes it feasible for over 70,000 qualified surgeons across the United States to perform the installation. This broad accessibility has the potential to democratize access to advanced prosthetic control technology, bringing life-changing solutions to a larger population of amputees and individuals with mobility challenges.
Conclusion
Phantom Neuro’s recent funding and FDA designations represent significant strides toward revolutionizing prosthetic limb control. By combining innovative technology with strategic partnerships and a clear vision, the company is poised to make a profound impact on the lives of amputees, offering them renewed independence and an improved quality of life.
