Astrocyte and MyoLink supported by FIF
Summary
Astrocyte and MyoLink, received a grand and a Seed Loan.MyoLink is addressing unmet needs in gait rehabilitation with a non-invasive, easy-to-set-up system for real-time muscle monitoring. Current tools are often complex, subjective, and unsuitable for telemedicine applications. MyoLinks solution uses elastic bands with integrated electrodes to deliver quantitative data on muscle activity and movement, streamlining assessments for clinicians and enabling patient use at home.Coming from the EPFL and located at Campus Biotech in Geneva, neural engineering expert Vincent Mendez, PhD and his team bring significant expertise in biosignal processing, electronics, and translational research, positioning them to transform rehabilitation practices.Astrocyte is developing a new brain-penetrant inhibitor to improve memory function in Alzheimers disease (AD) by targeting astrocyte signaling. Unlike conventional therapies, this innovative approach addresses a critical but underexplored mechanism and has demonstrated effectiveness in preclinical models by protecting against memory loss.The team is led by Prof. Andrea Volterra, an internationally recognized neuroscientist and recipient of the 2017 Theodore Ott Prize, with extensive expertise in astrocyte function.Located at Campus Biotech in Geneva and supported by the Wyss Center, Astrocyte will collaborate with the HUG Memory Clinic, neuroscience groups at the University of Geneva, and research entities at Campus Biotech such as FONGIT-supported Gliapharm SA. The CHF 100,000 FIF Seed Loan will enable Astrocyte to advance the development of CS-143, representing a significant step toward novel therapies for Alzheimers patients.