The US Department of Defense has awarded Ohio-based Sense Neuro Diagnostics a $2-million contract to support the clinical trial of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) detection capability for front line care.
Called “NeuroHawk,” the headgear scans specific regions of the brain for hemorrhaging, enabling quick diagnosis of the condition, which has affected more than 420,000 warfighters in the past 20 years.
NeuroHawk offers non-invasive scans and monitoring in seconds, providing rapid and objective data to improve triage treatment decisions, decrease risks of secondary injury, and secure positive results.
Clinical trials are set to begin in June 2025, with the initial phase focusing on the system’s primary functions and usage in high-pressure scenarios.
The company noted that the award follows a $2.43-million grant from the Pentagon’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs in 2021, which ordered development of the NeuroHawk.
“We are honored to receive this contract from CDMRP as it recognizes the potential of our technology to address a significant unmet need for both military personnel and civilian patients,” Sense Neuro Diagnostics CEO Geoff Klass stated.
“The NeuroHawk is designed for use in field conditions, allowing for rapid detection and monitoring of brain injuries. With this support, we are poised to advance the development and deployment of life-saving technology.”
FDA Clearance, Commercial Launch Next Year
Sense highlighted that the NeuroHawk technology could address point-of-injury diagnosis challenges in modern warfare, specifically where TBI detection is commonly delayed, limited, and reliant on subjective measures.
Once operational, the device is also planned for commercial applications where it could assist in instant or uninterrupted support for patients with brain injury and stroke.
Sense is expected to file for a US Food and Drug Administration clearance in the first quarter of 2025 for a full commercial launch later in the year.
“The support we’ve received from the military is a testament to the strength of our technology and the impact it can have beyond the battlefield,” Klass said.
“This funding allows us to continue developing a technology that can change the standard of care for brain injury patients globally.”