Axonics Granted Six U.S. Patents

Axonics Modulation Technologies Inc., developer of the first rechargeable implantable Sacral Neuromodulation System (SNM) for the treatment of urinary and fecal dysfunction, has been awarded six patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patents are related to implantable neuromodulation technology and recharging systems.

“The rapid grant of six U.S. patents demonstrates the level of ingenuity incorporated into the Axonics technology platform and our commitment to developing a patent portfolio in conjunction with our innovations,” said Raymond W. Cohen, Axonics CEO. “With more than forty-five issued U.S. and OUS patents already in our portfolio, and seventy-five additional pending patent applications, the recent string of patent grants represents the first wave in what we expect to be a sustained expansion of our intellectual property presence in key markets around the globe.”

The Axonics patent portfolio represents technology developed under license from the Alfred Mann Foundation and technology internally developed by Axonics.

The Axonics neuromodulation platform includes, among other innovations, a miniaturized rechargeable implantable neuromodulation stimulator (IPG) that is approximately one-fourth the size of smallest currently marketed rechargeable IPGs and can be directed toward numerous clinical applications, according to the company. The Axonics IPG is qualified to last at least 15 years in the body and needs to be recharged only once a week for approximately one hour via a charging system designed to optimize ease of use and patient comfort. In addition, the Axonics’ platform features a key-fob sized patient-friendly remote control and an intuitive clinician programmer that will guide and support physician implanters throughout the clinical procedure from lead placement to programming.

Axonics’ initial clinical application for its technology is Sacral Neuromodulation for the treatment of urinary and fecal dysfunction, which affects more than 100 million adults in the United States and Europe. SNM therapy is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment that has been widely employed for the past two decades with an estimated 30,000 devices implanted into patients in 2015 alone. The Axonics SNM embodiment is currently under review by its notified body for CE Mark approval, and upon achieving that regulatory milestone, the company will immediately launch a post-market clinical study in select European centers.

Based in Irvine, Calif., the privately held Axonics develops implantable neuromodulation technology directed toward a number of clinical indications. Investors include European, U.S. and Chinese investors, Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners, Advent Life Sciences, NeoMed Management, Legend Capital, Cormorant Asset Management and The Alfred E. Mann Foundation.