Victhom Human Bionics Inc., “Victhom” (TSX: VHB), announcedtoday the filing of an additional patent for the detection and treatment of sleep apnea and has also
disclosed the preliminary results from its preclinical studies.
The Company has recently filed a new patent application relating to a method and device for the
detection, identification and treatment of sleep apnea/hypopnea using its neuromodulation platform. Late
in 2007, the Company filed a patent application on detection of obstructive apnea from sensory signals in
vagal nerve. The continued research has revealed that in fact, sensory signals in various nerves
innervating the larynx and the breathing airway can provide a good source for the detection of respiration
rate and onset and the duration of any form of apneic event. “The new findings are filed in a
comprehensive patent application that captures our unique approach to detection and treatment of
respiratory disorders”, said Mr. Kameli, Chief Operating Officer of the Neurobionix division.
Over the course of 2008, the Company has validated its findings in various preclinical research studies.
Initial preclinical results show that the technology can successfully detect onset, duration and termination
of any form of respiratory distress such as hypopnea, obstructive apnea, and central apnea. “The
detection of apnea has always been a challenge”, stated Mr. Kameli. “Many companies have tried various
technologies with various degrees of success. The issue seems to be that artificial sensors that need to
be placed in the airway of patients are neither accurate nor patient-friendly. Patient compliance and ease
of use seems to be an issue”, continued Mr. Kameli. He further stated, “Victhom has been able, in
preclinical studies, to decode what the lungs and the airway passages are reporting to the brain to identify
when the subject is in distress and is in need of help. No other form of sensing can be as effective”.
Once apneas are detected, novel neurostimulation therapies can be used to restore breathing to patients
in a very short time. Mr. Kameli said, “Apnea is a problem that affects millions of people around the globe.
In addition to being a standalone disorder, the presence of apnea as a co-morbidity to other diseases and
disorders contributes to the suffering of many patients. This technology has application in standalone
therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea or in combination therapy in patients suffering from
heart failure and sleep apnea to improve outcomes”. The Company plans in partnering with leaders in the
field of sleep apnea and cardiac rhythm management to complete the development and introduction of
this therapy to each targeted market.
Apnea is defined as an intermitted cessation of airflow. It is a form of breathing disorder that happens
mostly during sleep. Apnea is a co-morbidity with other physiological issues such as high blood pressure,
heart attack, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke or depression. The National Sleep
Foundation estimates that more than 18 million American adults suffer from sleep apnea. Current
treatments for sleep apnea include CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device) and various
surgeries. CPAP is offered by companies like ResMed Inc. and Phillips Respironics Inc. Other new
treatments are under investigation by various medical device companies such as Medtronic Inc., Boston
Scientific Corporation, St. Jude Medical, in addition to new start-up companies.