The appointments come on the heels of the recent FDA 510(k) clearance for the Layer 7 cortical interface for BCI technology. The Layer 7 thin-film BCI features 1,024 electrodes embedded in a flexible film that conforms to the brain surface. The film comes in at one-fifth the thickness of a human hair. This device aims to help users with severe paralysis operate digital devices, like computers and smartphones, using their thoughts.
Precision Neuroscience says the clearance marks “a major milestone” in the BCI field. The company says it’s the first full regulatory clearance granted to a company developing a next-generation wireless BCI. It provides a leg up in the BCI market for Precision, which is going up against the likes of Neuralink, Synchron and others in the growing space.
(Precision Neuroscience is featured on our 2023 list of BCI companies you need to know. You can also check out our lists of BCI companies to know from 2022 and 2024.)
Following the regulatory milestone, Precision bolstered its leadership team with the appointments of John Woock and Konstantinos Alataris.
Woock joins as chief business officer, leading commercial operations and strategy. Alataris has been appointed to the company’s board.
“Adding leaders of John and Konstantinos’s caliber highlights Precision’s momentum as we advance toward commercialization,” Michael Mager, Precision’s Co-Founder and CEO, said. “Their extraordinary track records of building successful neurotechnology businesses are exactly what we need as we plan for scale and widespread impact in coming years.”
More about the new Precision Neuroscience appointments
Woock joins from Axonics, the neuromodulation company acquired by Boston Scientific for $3.7 billion. He was the 15th employee at Axonics, according to a news release, helping with initial product design, clinical trials and commercial operations. Prior to Axonics, he served as a consultant at McKinsey and as a Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellow.
“Joining Precision at this pivotal point is an incredible opportunity,” Woock said. “Brain–computer interfaces are one of the most promising medical innovations of our time, and Precision is a clear leader in the field. I look forward to building a commercial operation that supports the immense clinical potential of Precision’s technology.”
Alataris brings experience as an entrepreneur, investor and executive with experience guiding medtech ventures from inception through commercialization. He served as founder and CEO of Nevro, developing and commercializing the Senza neuromodulation system. Alataris also chaired the scientific advisory board of Iota Biosciences.
“Precision’s differentiated approach and rapid progress in the clinic are bringing AI-enabled therapies for neurological diseases closer to market,” Alataris said. “This is a testament to the team Ben and Michael have put together. I am thrilled to support Precision in bringing such transformative therapies to patients worldwide.”
