Medical device company Sorin Group acquires Neurotech (LLN, Belgium), a development-stage company focused on neurostimulation

Sorin Group, a global medical device company and a leader in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, recently announced the acquisition of Neurotech SA, a developer of neurostimulation devices out of Belgium. Created as a spin-off in 1994 by the Université catholique de Louvain (UCL) and funded* by various members of the Walloon Region of Belgium, Neurotech is known for their unique expertise in the development of implantable medical devices focused on vagus nerve stimulation.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a procedure that stimulates the vagus nerve with electrical impulses. In experimental and pilot clinical studies, this type of treatment has been used to treat conditions such as epilepsy and depression, and is also being studied for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, migraine and Alzheimer’s disease. Neurotech’s first developed product is an implantable vagus nerve stimulator that uses a rechargeable battery and not only stimulates the vagus nerve but also records neural activity from the left vagus nerve using an innovative cuff electrode. This unique sensory feature enables the physician to capture the “compound action potential” (CAP) generated by the stimulation, which could potentially provide a more effective and personalized treatment for the patient.

The Neurotech acquisition is another important step forward in Sorin’s long-term growth initiatives announced in our recent Strategic Plan. In addition, this deal confirms Sorin Group’s commitment to the hemodynamic management of heart failure and their decision to enter the neuromodulation market. This acquisition will accelerate the time to market of Sorin’s neuromodulation therapies to treat heart failure. Neurotech will also complement Sorin’s key heart failure treatment technical expertise and enhance its intellectual property position.

All the best to Neurotech and Sorin Group as they combine their efforts and continue with their commitment to further develop neuromodulation therapies to treat heart failure.

* Neurotech has received funding from SOPARTEC, the technology transfer company of Université catholique de Louvain, Vives Louvain Technology Fund SA and SRIW Techno SA (Société Régionale d’Investissement de Wallonie).