Oxford Brain Diagnostics (OBD) is set to revolutionize dementia diagnosis with the commercial launch of its groundbreaking Cortical Disarray Measurement (CDM®) technology across UK and US healthcare markets. The Oxford-based medtech company has secured FDA 510(k) clearance and UKCA self-certification, marking a significant milestone in addressing the diagnostic needs of over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia.
Breakthrough Technology for Early Detection
The patented CDM® software represents a paradigm shift in neurodegeneration assessment, analyzing standard MRI scans to provide objective measurements of brain health. Unlike traditional diagnostic approaches that rely heavily on clinical symptoms, this technology offers a data-driven method for detecting and monitoring neurodegenerative diseases at earlier stages.
"Neurodegenerative diseases represent a growing public health challenge, impacting millions of patients and their families worldwide," said Dr Steven Chance, CEO and co-founder of OBD. "The support from BGF and other investors and partners is enabling us to accelerate the path to the commercialisation of our software tool and bring hope to those millions who are seeking a non-invasive, precision diagnostic tool to reveal the truth about their brain health."
Scientific Foundation and Regulatory Recognition
OBD was founded in 2019 by Dr Steven Chance, former associate professor of neuroscience at Oxford University, and Professor Mark Jenkinson, professor of neuroimaging. The CDM® platform builds on decades of expertise in brain pathology and imaging, translating years of scientific research into clinical application.
The technology's potential was recognized early by regulatory authorities, with the FDA granting CDM® Breakthrough Device Designation status in 2020 for evaluating adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease. This designation acknowledges the tool's potential to address significant unmet medical needs in neurodegenerative disease diagnosis.
Strategic Investment and Commercial Expansion
In 2023, OBD secured multi-million-pound investment from BGF, the UK and Ireland's most active growth capital investor, alongside continued support from existing investors, including the Oxford Technology & Innovations Fund. This funding enabled the company to secure regulatory approvals and prepare for commercial rollout, laying the foundation for global expansion.
"OBD's progress over the past two years has been remarkable," said Maggy Lau, investor at BGF. "The technology is truly differentiated, and its recent regulatory achievements signal just how close it is to making a major impact. We're proud to back a business that's taking on one of the toughest and most important challenges in healthcare today."
Pharmaceutical Applications and Market Timing
The commercial launch comes at a critical time as new anti-amyloid Alzheimer's drugs enter the market, creating increased demand for early and accurate diagnosis. OBD's technology directly addresses this need, supporting pharmaceutical trials and drug development with reliable and scalable patient evaluation methods.
The company has already begun establishing strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical firms, positioning CDM® as a valuable tool in clinical research and drug development pipelines. As new Alzheimer's treatments emerge, the demand for accurate diagnostic tools is expected to surge.
Broader Applications Beyond Alzheimer's
While initially focused on Alzheimer's disease, the CDM® platform demonstrates promise across multiple neurodegenerative conditions. Early studies indicate potential applications in detecting Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, expanding the technology's impact across clinical and research fields.
With global dementia cases expected to double every 20 years, the need for early and accurate diagnostics has never been more pressing. OBD's breakthrough technology signals a shift toward data-driven, proactive care that moves beyond symptom-based diagnosis to provide objective brain health assessment.
The company now aims to expand into hospitals, clinics, and clinical research organizations across the UK and US, offering healthcare providers a non-invasive, precision diagnostic tool for neurodegeneration assessment and monitoring.
