People suffering from neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis may soon have new hope thanks to work at a cutting-edge centre in Surrey.
Surrey’s HealthTech Connex Inc. is launching the Centre for Neurology Studies at North Surrey’s Innovation Boulevard.
The Centre for Neurology Studies is a research centre connecting scientists, researchers, medical professionals and patients with innovative companies developing ground-breaking technologies that improve brain health.
“The Centre for Neurology Studies is led by the private sector – forward-thinking companies which are making innovative discoveries and breakthroughs in the area of brain health,” said Dr. Ryan D’Arcy (below), president and chief scientific officer at HealthTech Connex Inc.
“The centre connects these companies with people who can help take their innovations into the real world where patients can benefit from their technologies and improve their lives, whether it’s related to brain concussion or a debilitating brain disease.”
One of the companies to join the Centre for Neurology Studies is Helius Medical Technologies, based in Newtown, Penn.
Helius is looking to develop, license and acquire unique and non-invasive technologies that amplify the brain’s ability to heal itself.
On such medical method is with the use of a machined called the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNSTM), which delivers neurostimulation through the tongue.
PoNSTM Therapy combines the use of the device with physical therapy and is currently being evaluated in a multi-centre clinical trial, including one at Surrey’s Centre for Neurology Studies, for the treatment of balance disorder for subjects with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury.
Multiple sclerosis patient advocate and TV celebrity Montel Williams recently toured the Centre for Neurology Studies.
“This is so overwhelming today walking through here. It was almost seven years ago when I got involved with the PoNS device, and dedicated my life to helping move this forward so that it can help as many people as it possibly could,” Williams said.
“Then I see something like this has been created, developed and formed. This is because a patient told some scientist, that helped some other scientist, talk about a technology that is still investigatory, but it’s technology that has a chance for hope. That is what real science is all about, when scientists listen to patients and turn that hope into reality.”
The Health and Technology District on Innovation Boulevard is a series of high-tech buildings located immediately adjacent to Surrey Memorial Hospital, creating a unique ecosystem for clinicians and health-care providers to work alongside innovators, entrepreneurs and tech companies. Developed by Surrey-based company, The Lark Group, the District is receiving international interest, leading to a series of investments by local start up as well as global leading organizations, seen as an unparalleled landscape for research, development and innovation.
