Syntropic

Syntropic Medical, a clinical-stage medical device company, is developing technologies to enhance the brain's neuroplasticity for treating psychiatric disorders. The company was established in 2023 as a spin-out from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA). The founders are CEO Mark Caffrey, CTO Jack O'Keeffe, Head of Research Dr. Alessandro Venturino, and Scientific Advisor Prof. Dr. Sandra Siegert.

The foundation of Syntropic Medical stems from a discovery by the Siegert Group at ISTA, which found that 60-Hz light stimulation can reduce perineuronal nets, unlocking new brain functionalities. This research showed that pulsed light at 60 Hz could non-invasively replicate the pharmacological effects of ketamine, promoting learning, memory, and social interaction in preclinical models of depression. The founding team combines deep expertise in neuroscience, medical device development, and entrepreneurship. Prof. Siegert is a neurobiologist whose research on 60-Hz stimulation led to the company's core patent. Dr. Venturino has an extensive background in neurophysiology. Mark Caffrey is a serial neurotech entrepreneur with a background in physics and experience in the medical device innovation ecosystem. Jack O’Keeffe brings experience in medical device development from his work with industry leaders like Baxter and Johnson & Johnson.

Syntropic is focused on providing a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical treatment for mental health conditions, particularly Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The company targets a significant market need, as many patients do not achieve remission with traditional antidepressants and often discontinue medication due to side effects. The business operates in the medtech sector, developing a light-based brain stimulation device. This device delivers precise 60 Hz light stimulation through the eyes, which activates the brain's immune cells (microglia) to reshape the protective layer around neurons. This process facilitates the formation of new, healthy neural connections, offering a potential treatment with minimal side effects. The company has completed preclinical testing and is preparing for clinical trials to seek FDA approval. In April 2024, Syntropic secured a seven-figure investment from xista science ventures and the Austrian promotional bank, aws, followed by an additional €1.1 million from The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) in July 2024 to further develop its device.

Keywords: neuroplasticity, brain stimulation, medical device, major depressive disorder, non-invasive treatment, light therapy, microglia, neuromodulation, mental health technology, clinical stage, ISTA spin-off, neurotechnology, psychiatric disorders, non-pharmaceutical, depression treatment, perineuronal nets, 60 Hz stimulation, neurophysiology, biomedical engineering, venture capital