Cadence Neuroscience

Market position

An early-stage entrant in epilepsy neuromodulation, positioning its therapy against established options such as vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation and deep brain stimulation, with backing that includes strategic investor LivaNova USA and Mayo Clinic.

Cadence cites chronic subthreshold cortical stimulation guided by EEG biomarkers and patient-specific parameter adjustment as its distinguishing approach, contrasted on its site with VNS, RNS and DBS seizure-freedom rates (6%, 8% and 12% respectively versus 50% for Cadence, based on preliminary results). It also emphasizes use of materials and manufacturing processes long used in other neuromodulation devices, applying new software to established hardware, and a focus on pediatric epilepsy, a population it describes as often overlooked in neurological device development.

Technology

An implantable neuromodulation system delivering chronic subthreshold cortical stimulation. The system records brain activity and modulates EEG biomarkers associated with epilepsy, adjusting small, precise stimulation pulses to the individual patient's response in order to prevent the instability that can lead to seizures. It is built with materials and manufacturing processes previously used in other neuromodulation devices, combining established hardware with new software. The underlying approach traces to Mayo Clinic research published as Lundstrom et al., 'Chronic Subthreshold Cortical Stimulation and Stimulation-Related EEG Biomarkers for Focal Epilepsy,' Brain Communications, 2019.

Go-to-market

Pre-commercial: the company is conducting clinical studies with academic and clinical partners, notably Mayo Clinic, and stated it would use Series B proceeds to complete pivotal clinical studies and pursue FDA clearance. It engages clinicians, patients and families directly and publishes a podcast and newsletter.

Pediatric and adult patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy, and the neurologists, epilepsy centers and hospitals that treat them.

Geography

Headquartered in Washington state, United States; press coverage of its Series B described the company as Redmond-based. Development work is conducted in collaboration with Mayo Clinic.

History

Kent Leyde and Doug Sheffield started Cadence in 2017 with the aim of extending neuromodulation for people with drug-resistant epilepsy. In 2019 the company raised a $15M Series A that made it fully operational, enabled recruitment of its core team, supported an exclusive license with Mayo Clinic and initial patient study planning. In 2023 it raised Series B capital to advance the device and technology and prepare for first clinical studies. The company reports having grown to more than 30 employees and contractors and multiple clinical partnerships.

Risks & controversies

Cadence's technologies are investigational and have not been approved or cleared by the FDA or other health authorities; efficacy figures published by the company are described as preliminary and drawn from a case series using a prototype version of the therapy, and patient testimonials come from that case series. The company notes that forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and that actual results may differ. Pivotal clinical studies and regulatory clearance remain ahead of it.