Abbott inks neuroscience research deal with NIH

Abbott (NYSE:ABT) said today that it inked a partnership deal with the National Institutes of Health to support the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies, or BRAIN initiative.

The NIH’s BRAIN initiative aims to accelerate neuroscience research and advancements, Chicago-area based Abbott said.

Through the partnership, Abbott will provide its neuromodulation tech, including directional deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation and dorsal root ganglion therapy, for research related to the NIH initiatives including their possible application for treating chronic pain and progressive movement disorders.

“Researchers at Abbott are continuously striving to better understand how neuromodulation technology can benefit people living with chronic pain or movement disorders. In addition to our own research efforts, including clinical and real-world studies, working together with world-class scientists at the NIH will help us further validate our neuromodulation therapies and explore new avenues where they may benefit patients affected by devastating neurological conditions,” Abbott neuromodulation VP Keith Boettiger said in prepared remarks.

The BRAIN initiative, launched in 2013, aims to improve understanding of the functions of the human brain through research and developing new uses for technology.

“The NIH is investigating the application of these devices for the treatment of a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions and chronic pain. The neuromodulation technologies provided by Abbott will help us determine the inner workings of the nervous system to help fill gaps in our current knowledge of the brain and provide opportunities for exploring how the brain interacts with the human body in patients with neurological conditions,” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke neural engineering program director Nick Langhals said in a press release.

Earlier this month, Abbott said that it is launching its next-generation, FDA and CE Mark cleared, smartphone-connectable Confirm Rx implantable continuous cardiac monitor.