Neurotechnology Executives Tap Political Leaders to Help Patients With Brain-Related Illnesses
Neurotechnology Industry Organization unveils National Neurotechnology Initiative at Washington Public Policy Tour
Washington D.C. and San Francisco, CA - March 29, 2007 - NIO, the Neurotechnology Industry Organization, today announced that the association has met with dozens of elected officials and policy makers in Washington to discuss the opportunities and obstacles facing companies and organizations working to improve the lives of those with brain and nervous system illnesses. A key topic of discussion with elected Senators and Representatives was the group's National Neurotechnology Initiative (NNTI), a proposed Federal research and development program designed to coordinate balanced and focused strategic investment across multiple agencies to accelerate development of vitally important areas of the field.
"The economic burden our nation faces due to brain and nervous system disorders is $500 billion and climbing," said NIO Executive Director Zack Lynch. "Despite the large and growing unmet markets, massive economic cost, and untold human suffering, there are few effective treatments that delay, prevent and cure chronic neurological and psychiatric diseases. The NNTI provides the means for the United States to secure leadership in neurotechnology and improve countless lives."
During NIO's Public Policy Tour, executives from some twenty neurotechnology companies and organizations met with political leaders including directors from the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration to discuss the role their offices can play in improving fundamental brain-related research and bringing new treatments for nervous system illnesses more quickly to those in need.
"Today underscored the fact that illnesses like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, depression, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke and traumatic brain injury are problems that affect the entire community," said Lynch. "Each of us, from lawmakers and regulators to researchers and physicians to everyday Americans has an opportunity to help meet the unprecedented demand for leadership, new technologies and community support."
Neurotechnology leaders taking part in NIO's Public Policy Tour included Accera, Inc,
Acumen Pharmaceuticals, Adlyfe, Afferent Corporation, Boston Life Sciences, Brain Resource Company, Concentric Medical, Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems, Medical Device Network of Australia, NeuroScience Associates, Neurotech Network, NeuroVentures Capital, RemeGenix, Sound Pharmaceuticals, StemCells, Inc., Targacept, and The MIND Institute.
Elected officials met with included Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM), Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY), Sen. Trent Lott (R-MI), Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA), Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN), Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA), Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), and Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), Sen. Bob Bennett (R-UT), Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Rep. John Duncan (R-TN). NIO members also met with a wide range of senior officials at the FDA and NIH. The level of interest among members about sponsoring NNTI legislation was both surprising and exciting
About the National Neurotechnology Initiative (NNTI)
Modeled after successful inter-agency public-private programs such as the National Nanotech Initiative and the Human Genome Project, the NNTI seeks to establish a Federal R&D program, based in a National Coordination Office, to direct multi-agency efforts in neurotechnology. NNTI goals include:
- Develop the supporting infrastructure and tools needed to advance neurotechnology and new treatments for the brain and nervous system;
- Develop a highly advanced, interdisciplinary, interagency R&D program in neurotechnology;
- Facilitate development and transfer of new technologies in medicine, assistive devices, learning, computing, and other products that will benefit the public good and the national interest; and
- Support responsible development of neurotechnology through research in ethical, legal and social issues arising from emerging technologies.
Contact:
Ross Gillfillan
Feinstein Kean Healthcare
415-503-0197
ross.gillfillan@fkhealth.com