Coherence Neuro, a startup developing brain implants to treat cancer, has raised $45 million in a Series A funding round co-led by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund and the OpenAI Startup Fund. The investment, which also included Lux Capital, Olive Capital, and 8VC, will accelerate the company's efforts to test its lead product, SOMA, in patients with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer with a grim prognosis.
In a post, Coherence explained that the funds will enable its first chronic human trial of the implant as a treatment for glioblastoma. The firm will also seek FDA breakthrough device designation and expand testing to other conditions, including pancreatic cancer and other malignancies. To achieve these goals, Coherence is looking to grow its multidisciplinary team of operators and builders.
Founded in 2022 by Elise Jenkins and Ben Woodington, Coherence focuses on leveraging technology and neuroscience to change how cancer is treated. SOMA, a button-sized implant, monitors electrical signals emitted by cancerous cells and delivers electrical signals to disrupt tumor development. The implant works with a removable wearable worn above the ear and an app that tracks symptoms, provides therapy history, and offers real-time patient data.
The company is currently testing the implant in glioblastoma patients. Several consenting patients have had the device implanted during surgery to remove glioblastoma tumors, with initial tests focused on safety. The implant was designed based on research showing that tumors have unique electrical signals and fields; by disrupting this activity, researchers believe cancer development could be arrested before it becomes advanced.
If successful, the implants could change the bleak outlook for glioblastoma patients. As Coherence advances its R&D, other entities like CNS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSP) are also developing novel medications for brain cancers such as glioblastoma.
The announcement highlights growing interest in using neurotechnology to treat cancer. With backing from prominent investors and a novel approach, Coherence aims to commercialize its implant and potentially transform cancer treatment. The news was reported by BioMedWire, a specialized communications platform focused on biotechnology, biomedical sciences, and life sciences. BioMedWire is part of the Dynamic Brand Portfolio at IBN, which provides wire solutions via InvestorWire and other services to reach diverse markets.
