Motif Neurotech

Motif Neurotech is a neurotechnology company pioneering wireless minimally-invasive neuromodulation therapeutics for mental health disorders. The company's lead product is the DOT microstimulator, a miniature brain pacemaker designed to precisely stimulate the brain and restore healthy circuit activity. Motif's implant is enabled by wireless magnetoelectric power transfer technology developed at Rice University. The pea-sized implant can be inserted during a 20-minute outpatient procedure, enabling at-home therapy with minimal side effects compared to drugs.

The DOT microstimulator is currently under development for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a form of major depressive disorder (MDD) that does not respond to antidepressant medications. Up to one-third of individuals diagnosed with MDD, approximately 2.8 million Americans each year, suffer from TRD. By the fourth failed treatment attempt, as many as 83% of patients relapse, resulting in an annual burden of USD 43.8 billion on the healthcare system.

In September 2023, Motif announced the successful first-in-human implant of its miniature brain stimulator. The study demonstrated that the wireless, battery-free device could safely and effectively stimulate the human brain without contacting the brain surface. Additionally, large animal studies showed that the implants provided safe and effective brain stimulation for over 30 days.

In January 2024, Motif closed an oversubscribed USD 18.75 million Series A financing round led by Arboretum Ventures to advance the development of the DOT microstimulator toward clinical studies for TRD.