US Department of Defense Awards $2 Million Contract for Traumatic Brain Injury Detection Technology
Ohio-based Sense Neuro Diagnostics has been awarded a $2 million contract by the US Department of Defense to advance the clinical trial of their innovative traumatic brain injury (TBI) detection technology, known as NeuroHawk.
NeuroHawk is a cutting-edge headgear device designed to scan specific areas of the brain for signs of hemorrhaging, enabling rapid diagnosis of conditions that have impacted over 420,000 military personnel in the last two decades. This non-invasive technology promises to provide quick scans and monitoring in mere seconds, facilitating more informed triage decisions, reducing the risk of secondary injuries, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Clinical trials for NeuroHawk are slated to commence in June 2025, initially focusing on its core functionalities and performance in high-pressure environments. The contract builds upon a previous $2.43 million grant from the Pentagon’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, which was awarded to Sense in 2021 for the development of this promising technology.
“We are honored to receive this contract from CDMRP as it recognizes the potential of our technology to address a significant unmet need for both military personnel and civilian patients,” remarked Geoff Klass, CEO of Sense Neuro Diagnostics. "The NeuroHawk is meticulously designed for field use, enabling the swift detection and monitoring of brain injuries. With this support, we are poised to advance our life-saving technology."
In addition to its pivotal role in military medical care, Sense envisions NeuroHawk finding a place in civilian healthcare, particularly for immediate assessments of brain injury and stroke patients. The company plans to seek clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the first quarter of 2025, with an eye toward a full commercial launch later that year.
“The support we’ve received from the military is a testament to the strength of our technology and the impact it can have beyond the battlefield,” Klass added. “This funding allows us to continue developing a technology that can revolutionize the standard of care for brain injury patients on a global scale.”
As the development of NeuroHawk progresses, the potential for transforming the initial diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injuries appears promising, both for military personnel and civilians alike.
