Cambridge, Massachusetts–based Cognito’s investigational Spectris is a non-invasive neuromodulation system. The system delivers proprietary gamma frequency light and sound stimulation. This evokes EEG-confirmed gamma frequency brain oscillations to treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases. It restores brain electrical activity disrupted in Alzheimer’s.
At the AD/PD 2026 International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases, the company shared findings on how gamma sensory stimulation delivered through Spectris may influence brain network activity and electroencephalography (EEG) biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s
Outcomes from the company’s OVERTURE feasibility study evaluated Spectris-induced changes in brain network activity. The study looked at measures of cognition, daily function and structural brain preservation. Over the 24-week treatment period, patients treated with Spectris demonstrated attenuation of shifts in EEG power spectra from higher to lower frequencies.
Cognito said that reductions in EEG slowing in the active treatment group correlated with reduced decline in ADCS-ADL score. It also reduced MRI brain volume loss. The company said this suggests that neurophysiological changes measured by EEG may indicate clinically relevant treatment outcomes.
“These findings provide additional evidence that gamma sensory stimulation has the potential to modulate brain network activity in ways that may be clinically meaningful for patients with neurodegenerative disease,” said Christian Howell, CEO, Cognito Therapeutics. “By linking changes in electrophysiological biomarkers with functional and structural outcomes, this research helps deepen our understanding of how Spectris may influence the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Other findings from Cognito Therapeutics
Cognito also shared poster presentations exploring the effects of gamma sensory stimulation on cognitive event-related potentials (ERPs). This demonstrated that Spectris stimulation can enhance neural responses associated with working memory and cognitive processing in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
The company said its research builds on previous results from OVERTURE. It also incorporates EEG biomarkers from that study into an ongoing pivotal trial, called HOPE.
HOPE evaluates EEG as a potential quantitative biomarker. It aims to provide supportive mechanistic evidence for the trial’s primary composite endpoint assessing daily function and cognition.
Research continues for Cognito as it also brings in significant funding. The company raised $105 million in a round earlier this month, adding to $73 million raised in 2023.
