Revolutionizing Pain Management: Atlanta Startup Synaptrix Takes on Opioid Use
A small but mighty team in Atlanta is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges: cutting postoperative pain while reducing opioid use. Led by CEO Shyamy Sastry, the medical device startup Synaptrix, Inc. has developed a proprietary system called NOVABLOC, which is looking to bring new options to the modern pain management world.
What is NOVABLOC?
NOVABLOC is a groundbreaking neuromodulation technology designed to deliver more than 20 days of pain relief without impacting motor function or touch. The system treats postoperative pain for days to weeks while promoting rehabilitation and reducing the need for opioids. Human feasibility studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of NOVABLOC, with more than 20 days of pain relief achieved with a single treatment.
How Does it Work?
Neuromodulation is a treatment that uses electrical or chemical stimulation to modify neural activity. In the case of NOVABLOC, it delivers electrical stimulation to selectively reduce neural activity transmitted by pain fibers. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the way we manage postoperative pain, reducing the reliance on opioids and improving patient outcomes.
Behind the Series A Funding Round
Synaptrix recently announced a $10 million Series A funding round, led by Durham-based Hatteras Venture Partners. Other investors, including Raleigh-based RexHealth Ventures, Alpharetta-based Avanos Medical, and Portal Innovations, also participated in the round. The funding will go towards a pivotal study, regulatory submission, and commercialization of the NOVABLOC system.
A Growing Ecosystem
Atlanta’s life science, medical, and healthcare technology ecosystems have been growing over the decades, with new developments like Science Square. The city is also home to the CDC, two medical schools, and the top-ranked biomedical engineering program in the country. Synaptrix has found Atlanta to be an ideal location, with a strong network of orthopedic and engineering support, as well as a central location for out-of-town investors and team members.
Conclusion
Synaptrix is committed to reducing opioids and bringing more user-friendly options to the pain management space. With the support of investors and the growing ecosystem in Atlanta, the company is well-positioned to bring its innovative NOVABLOC system to market. As the medical device industry continues to evolve, startups like Synaptrix are leading the charge, developing groundbreaking technologies that have the potential to transform patient care and improve outcomes.
