Cognito raises $35 million for Alzheimer’s treatment device, touts benefits compared to drugs

Just as a new wave of approved drugs for Alzheimer’s disease reaches patients, medical device company Cognito Therapeutics has raised a fresh $35 million to advance its alternative treatment for the neurodegenerative disease.

With the new Series B extension funding, the Cambridge, Mass.-based company has now raised $128 million to develop its headset that uses gamma frequency light and sound stimulation to combat the cognitive decline that’s the hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Cognito is currently undertaking a large study of the treatment and CEO Brent Vaughan told STAT he expects the company to complete the trial and submit data to the Food and Drug Administration for review by the end of 2025.

While under treatment, patients use the device for one hour per day in their homes. The light and sound is supposed to stimulate brain activity that’s disrupted by neurodegenerative conditions, potentially helping to preserve brain structure.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — and get additional analysis of the technologies disrupting health care — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe

Log In