NeuroBell, an Irish medtech firm, has successfully secured $5.5 million in funding to facilitate the U.S. launch of its innovative AI-driven brain monitoring device for newborns, known as LUNA, while also eyeing expansion into European markets.
The funding round, spearheaded by Elkstone, saw contributions from Parkview Health and other existing investors. Parkview's involvement is particularly noteworthy as it builds on a clinical partnership aimed at enhancing the device's adoption across U.S. hospitals. NeuroBell's entry into the U.S. market was made possible through the MedTech Global Gateway initiative, which is a collaborative effort involving Parkview’s Mirro Center and regional economic development organizations.
Founded in 2023 by Dr. Mark O’Sullivan, Dr. Alison O’Shea, and Colm Murphy, NeuroBell is rooted in nearly ten years of research focused on newborn brain health at University College Cork. LUNA is designed for use in neonatal intensive care units, where it continuously monitors the brain activity of premature and critically ill infants. By utilizing EEG data alongside artificial intelligence, LUNA can detect seizure activity more swiftly than traditional methods, and it enables remote access for specialists to analyze results.
Notably, approximately two-thirds of seizures in newborns lack visible symptoms, complicating timely detection. NeuroBell emphasizes that delays in treatment can significantly heighten the risk of long-term neurological damage. Initial clinical studies have shown that LUNA matches the performance of standard EEG systems while reducing false seizure alerts. The new funding will also assist in NeuroBell's efforts to submit LUNA for approval to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
This development marks a significant step in enhancing neonatal care, as the integration of AI into medical devices like LUNA could revolutionize how healthcare providers monitor and respond to critical conditions in newborns, potentially improving outcomes and reducing long-term health risks.