Synapse Biomedical Inc (SBI) was founded to commercialize a life-changing, minimally invasive device used in the diagnosis and treatment of persons with neurological impairment. The result of over twenty years of research at Case Western Reserve University & University Hospitals of Cleveland, the NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing Simulation (DPS) System is a neurostimulation technology for treating people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and various breathing problems. The research performed at these institutions during the course of development has led to significant advances of electrical stimulation for the treatment of chronic respiratory insufficiency. NeuRx DPS first helped patients dealing with spinal cord injuries, including the late actor Christopher Reeve, by stimulating the muscle used in breathing, the diaphragm. The company has gained approval by FDA allowing use of the NeuRx device for people with ALS, a degenerative muscle disease more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Other products developed include NeuRx Clinical Station, which provides intra-operative stimulation and sensing of stimulation response, and records the diaphragm motor points response to the stimulation; and NeuRx External Pulse Generator, a stimulator box that sends electrical signals to the diaphragm.
