Prevacus partners with Blinktbi for advanced concussion drug trials

Prevacus, a leading US biopharmaceutical company, has announced a strategic partnership with medical device company Blinktbi, utilizing their novel EyeStat device to measure brain function objectively during a Phase 1 clinical trial of a new concussion drug. This collaboration highlights a significant advancement in the treatment and understanding of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and other neurological disorders.

EyeStat, developed by Blinktbi, is designed to provide rapid and objective data about neurological function by analyzing the blink reflex. This lightweight and portable device uses light puffs of air to stimulate the blink reflex over a 20-second test. Employing high-speed videography, EyeStat records and analyzes alterations in the blink reflex indicative of traumatic brain injury, offering critical data in under a minute.

Dr. Jake VanLandingham, CEO of Prevacus, emphasized the importance of EyeStat in the upcoming clinical trials, stating, “EyeStat will provide significant assistance during our upcoming Phase 1 clinical study. We are grateful for their support in pursuit of discovering a solution to concussions for our athletes, military personnel, and all other at-risk groups.” He highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts across companies to tackle the widespread issues related to concussions.

Ryan Fiorini, Chief Operations Officer at Blinktbi, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, “We are thrilled to partner with Prevacus in support of the studies they’re conducting on their novel and promising drugs as an alternate line of therapies for TBI. We hope EyeStat will assist the team greatly in their studies and mission to advance treatment in this field.”

Prevacus is developing PRV-002, a fully synthetic neurosteroid designed to be administered nasally, targeting the molecular level issues of concussion such as inflammation, swelling, ischemic injury, and oxidative stress. This drug represents a new approach in treating concussions, aiming to provide rapid relief and recovery for affected individuals.

Prevacus has also entered into a partnership with BrainScope to utilize the FDA-approved BrainScope One device as another objective biomarker of brain function in its Phase 1b clinical trial for its concussion drug. The BrainScope One system provides a comprehensive assessment of brain function, including EEG measures and cognitive performance tests, which are crucial for standardizing data collection across clinical sites.

This innovative use of technology like EyeStat and BrainScope One in clinical trials is setting a new standard in the field of neurology and concussion treatment. These technologies not only enhance the precision of clinical studies but also pave the way for more effective treatments. The collaboration between Prevacus and Blinktbi is a prime example of how technology and pharmaceutical research can come together to address complex health challenges.