Cochlear has invested $21 million in European company Nyxoah, Cochlear chief executive Dig Howitt told The Australian Financial Review the company had set aside a small pool of money to invest in innovative new companies.
“We’re making a small number of investments with a small amount of money in companies that use an implantable electronic stimulator in a field we understand, working in a channel that is close to ours… That means head and neck surgery so that it’s surgeons we know and technology we understand.” – Dig Howitt
Nyxoah has developed the world’s first battery-free, leadless and minimally invasive neurostimulator, which can deliver nerve stimulation to moderate and severe sleep apnoea patients. The nerve stimulation seemingly acts on the tongue, moving it into a more forward position, should it be blocking the airway. There is a promotional video here: https://www.nyxoah.com/patients/what-is-nyxoahs-solution
While this therapy may be a long way off being an accepted and effective therapy for OSA, its encouraging to see large Australian companies seeking therapies for OSA.
Original article can be found here:
