American researcher Jordan W. Squair recently won the 2023 BioInnovation Institute & Science Award for Innovation, recognizing his development of a neuroprosthetic baroreflex that can help treat extremely low blood pressure in individuals with spinal cord injuries. This innovative therapy promises to have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected by this medical issue.
The implant developed by Squair and colleagues at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and the University of Calgary utilizes epidural electrical stimulation to activate certain neurons in the spinal cord to regulate a person’s blood pressure. It has been successfully tested on individuals with severe motor and autonomic nervous system disorder who had such low blood pressure they could not stand for more than a few minutes. Immediately after receiving the implant, these patients found they could walk hundreds of metres and had stopped fainting.
Not only could this technology be used to help those affected by spinal cord injuries, but Squair’s research also suggests the potential for other uses, such as stabilising patients during acute phases of their injuries. It may even be possible for the implant to monitor blood pressure with every beat of their heart, providing an extremely precise method for monitoring an individual’s health.
The BioInnovation Institute is a non-profit research organisation dedicated to connecting the worlds of biology and business. Their annual Science Award for Innovation provides recognition to those working to combine cutting-edge science and entrepreneurial spirit, creating meaningful societal and technological advances. This year’s competition was especially competitive, as the entries of all candidates demonstrated a high level of research and innovation.
Dr. Squair’s research is now being further supported by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Clinical trials in collaboration with ONWARD Medical are set to begin as early as 2021 and promises an exciting development in the treatment of low blood pressure in those with spinal cord injury.
