Cognixion Launches Clinical Trial Testing AI-Driven Brain-Computer Interface for Late-Stage ALS Communication
Key Insights
Cognixion (search) has initiated a clinical trial for its Axon-R (search) system, combining brain-computer interface (search), AI, and augmented reality technologies to enable conversation-level communication for late-stage ALS (search) patients who have lost natural speech capabilities.
The technology addresses a critical unmet need for the 18,000-30,000 ALS (search) patients in the US, with 80-95% eventually losing ability to communicate through speech or eye tracking systems, potentially offering near-conversational speed communication.
Partially funded by ALS Accel (search), the study will assess communication effectiveness, track BCI learning progress, and optimize input methods for individual patients, with the goal of advancing toward FDA clearance.
Cognixion (search), a developer of noninvasive Brain-Computer Interface (search) (BCI) technology, has launched a clinical trial examining its integrated wearable system designed to help individuals with late-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (search) (ALS (search)) communicate effectively. The study, titled "Augmented Reality BCI Longitudinal Study for Persons with Late Stage ALS" (NCT06810219), began in January 2025 and is currently enrolling patients across the United States.
The trial will evaluate the company's Axon-R (search) device, which combines augmented reality (AR) and brain-computer interface (search) technology with proprietary AI-powered applications. This innovative approach aims to address a significant unmet need for ALS (search) patients who have lost the ability to communicate through conventional means.
Critical Unmet Need in ALS Communication
ALS (search) affects approximately 18,000 to 30,000 people in the United States, with 80-95% of patients eventually losing the ability to communicate using natural speech. As the disease progresses, patients also lose effective eye movement, rendering current standard-of-care eye tracking systems ineffective.
"This trial represents a crucial step in understanding how brain-computer interface (search) technology enhanced by AI can be optimized for people with late-stage ALS (search), and other debilitating conditions rendering individuals cognitively able but completely locked in their bodies," said Chris Ullrich, M.Sc., Principal Investigator and Chief Technology Officer at Cognixion (search).
The loss of communication capability significantly impacts quality of life for ALS (search) patients, often leading to isolation, frustration, and decreased sense of control. As verbal communication becomes increasingly difficult, patients lose access to human interaction and the ability to maintain social connections.
Technology Integration for Enhanced Communication
Cognixion (search)'s system utilizes a novel combination of technologies:
- Noninvasive EEG brain sensing
- Augmented reality interface
- Personalized generative AI communication software
The Axon-R (search) BCI platform aims to restore communication abilities through a hyper-intuitive interface that supports interpersonal, rapid conversations and turn-taking with partners in real-time. According to the company, the system exceeds the typical words-per-minute capabilities of current text-to-speech technologies.
"Communication Access is a root cause issue that, if made available and capable, could transform the quality of life not just for the patient but their family and community, as well," said Andreas Forsland, Founder and CEO of Cognixion (search).
Study Design and Objectives
The clinical trial, partially funded by ALS Accel (search) (a subsidiary of the ALS Association (search)), will:
- Assess how effectively individuals with ALS can communicate using the Axon-R system
- Track participants' ability to learn to use BCI over time and measure progress
- Evaluate which input methods (BCI, eye-tracking) work best for enabling communication
- Identify how to adapt and optimize BCI inputs for each individual
"The ALS Association (search) recognized a unique opportunity to accelerate Cognixion (search)'s non-invasive brain-computer interface (search) for speech generation to the marketplace," said Keith Gary, PhD., Managing Director of ALS Accel (search). "The technology platform has significant impacts for those affected by ALS (search), other neurodegenerative diseases, and the research community focused on these areas."
Patient Experience and Potential Impact
The Axon-R (search) system promises communication at near conversational speed, a significant improvement over the slow, painstaking words-per-minute produced by eye tracking, traditional BCI assistive communication systems, and analog methods such as physical letter boards.
One trial participant, Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz, was diagnosed with ALS (search) in 2013. Rabbi Zvi Boyarsky, Patient Advocate and Director of Areivim Institute (search), a supporter of the clinical trial, shared: "There are no words to quantify the joy we all felt when Rabbi Yitzi could communicate and express himself with Cognixion (search)'s technology. It's a true gift and vital link that maintains the deep human connections that mitigate some of the unbearable suffering."
Technical Specifications and Research Applications
The Cognixion (search) ONE Axon-R (search) enables precise measurement and modulation of brain activity through visual stimuli, biofeedback, and neurofeedback. The wearable device offers up to 16 channels of research-quality physiological data and includes an integrated steady state visually evoked potential classifier.
Researchers using the Axon-R (search) can conduct immersive and interactive studies that leverage multi-modal interaction combining various sensors, augmented reality, and brain sensing in diverse settings, both indoors and outdoors.
Regulatory Status and Future Directions
Cognixion (search) has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for its derivative version called Cognixion ONE Axon. The current study utilizes the Cognixion ONE Axon-R (search), a version specifically designed for research purposes that is not currently cleared by the FDA as a medical device.
The findings from this clinical trial are expected to refine the usability of the Axon-R (search) device communication software and provide evidence about the effectiveness of this combined AR/BCI/AI approach as a viable new communication pathway for people with ALS (search). The company indicates this study prepares them for a larger pivotal trial required for FDA clearance.
The study is currently accepting additional participants. Interested individuals with ALS (search) and their caregivers can learn more by contacting clinicaltrials@cognixion (search).com.