Brain-computer interface (BCI) developer Synchron announced today that it appointed medtech veteran Andy Rasdal to its board of directors.
Rasdal brings more than 30 years of experience in developing and commercializing novel medical devices. He previously served as CEO of Dexcom, a leader in the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) space. There, he led the company through FDA approval and a successful IPO on the way to commercializing its CGM technology.
Currently, Rasdal serves as executive chair of Epitel, which develops a wearable, wireless EEG system to detect seizure conditions. He also led Obalon through FDA approval, an IPO and the commercialization of an obesity product as founding CEO.
Other previous roles include president of Medtronic’s Vascular unit. Rasadal also served as VP of global marketing at Arterial Vascular Engineering, which Medtronic bought for $4.3 billion. He also held positions at EP Technologies (bought by Boston Scientific) and Advanced Cardiovascular Systems (became the vascular division of Guidant before Abbott acquired it).
“Andy joining the board is a windfall for Synchron. He brings decades of operational experience in delivering first-to-market products through the FDA premarketing approval pathway,” said Tom Oxley, CEO & founder, Synchron. “His career exposure to over 15 PMAs, in particular, leading Dexcom through FDA approval and an eventual IPO, will be invaluable to Synchron.”
“I’m excited to join the Synchron board of directors,” Rasdal said. “I believe in the company’s mission to become the first implantable brain-computer interface to reach commercialization and help millions of people with paralysis reconnect with the world. My experience is relevant to Synchron, especially as they move towards pivotal study launch and eventual commercialization. Synchron has a broad technology platform with the potential to become the market-leading implantable neurotechnology company.”
More about Synchron and BCIs
New York-based Synchron develops the catheter-delivered Stentrode BCI implant. The company says its BCI is the only one tapping into blood vessels to capture signals from the brain. Once implanted, it detects and wirelessly transmits motor intent out of the brain.
Oxley recently explained Synchron’s mission and technology in an interview with Medical Design & Outsourcing.
Synchron believes its endovascular delivery method could make brain-computer interface technology simpler and safer. It could also offer more accessibility than the alternative option of invasive open-brain surgery. In December 2022, it raised an oversubscribed $75 million Series C financing round. Gates Frontier (Bill Gates’ investment fund) and Bezos Expeditions (Jeff Bezos’ investment fund) participated in the round.
Earlier this year, Synchron announced positive study data out of Australia for its BCI platform as well.
The company is one of many vying to bring a game-changing BCI to market, going up against Elon Musk-based Neuralink and Precision Neuro, both of which have begun in-human trials.
Synchron CCO Kurt Haggstrom recently explained the “race” in the BCI space.