Epiminder Limited has achieved a major milestone with the first US implant of its Minder System at the University of Pennsylvania, kicking off a pivotal trial that could redefine epilepsy monitoring.
- First US implant of Minder System completed at University of Pennsylvania
- DETECT study underway across five major US medical centres
- Randomized controlled trial comparing continuous EEG monitoring to standard care
- 210 patients to be enrolled across up to 25 US sites
- Study aims to improve diagnosis and management of drug-resistant epilepsy
A New Chapter in Epilepsy Monitoring
Epiminder Limited (ASX – EPI), an Australian medical device innovator, has marked a significant milestone with the first implant of its Minder System in the United States. This event, conducted at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, signals the start of the DETECT study, a large-scale, randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
The Minder System is a minimally invasive device that continuously monitors brain activity over extended periods, providing clinicians with detailed, real-world data beyond the limitations of traditional EEG methods. This capability is particularly crucial for patients whose seizures are difficult to capture during short-term hospital monitoring.
Expanding Clinical Reach Across Leading US Centres
Following the initial implant at Penn Medicine, four other prestigious institutions, the Mayo Clinic campuses in Rochester, Jacksonville, and Phoenix, along with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, have joined the DETECT study and are actively recruiting patients. The trial aims to enrol 210 participants across up to 25 sites nationwide, making it one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind.
Dr. Taneeta Mindy Ganguly, Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at Penn, emphasised the transformative potential of the Minder System – "Standard EEG methods do not offer the long-term monitoring necessary for informed management decisions. Continuous, high-fidelity data over months and years bridges this critical diagnostic gap, promising better outcomes and quality of life for patients."
Strategic Implications for Epiminder and Epilepsy Care
Epiminder’s CEO, Rohan Hoare, described the first US implant as a watershed moment, underscoring the company’s commitment to translating rigorous scientific development into tangible patient benefits. The DETECT study represents a key step in Epiminder’s commercialisation strategy, aiming to validate Minder’s superiority over current standard care and ultimately expand access to continuous brain monitoring for the 52 million people worldwide living with epilepsy.
While the study’s results will be closely watched by investors and clinicians alike, the broader implications could be profound, potentially reshaping diagnostic protocols and treatment pathways for drug-resistant epilepsy.
As the DETECT study progresses, Epiminder is poised to solidify its position at the forefront of epilepsy monitoring innovation, with the potential to unlock new insights and hope for patients who have long faced diagnostic uncertainty.
Bottom Line?
Epiminder’s US milestone sets the stage for a potential revolution in epilepsy diagnosis and management.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will patient enrolment progress across the 25 planned US sites?
- When can we expect interim or final data from the DETECT study to influence clinical practice?
- What are Epiminder’s commercial plans following successful trial outcomes and regulatory approvals?