MindLenses, an innovative and certified cognitive rehabilitation technology

Combining neuromodulation and cognitive games, MindLenses is establishing itself as a patented, non-invasive technology at the intersection of neuroscientific advances and digital therapies. Integrating prismatic glasses, cognitive games, and an online monitoring platform, MindLenses is one of the few solutions to have updated its certification according to the new European Medical Device Regulation (MDR). The company is also currently undergoing the PECAN procedure to obtain reimbursement in France, demonstrating its growing clinical credibility.

A Personalized and Effective Therapeutic Approach

Initially developed in Italy, the solution is currently certified for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia (Class I in Italy), and for post-stroke rehabilitation (Class IIa in the European Union). An extension of certification is planned for other indications such as Alzheimer’s disease and autism.

Unlike traditional approaches (pen-and-paper exercises, etc.), the MindLenses method relies on two complementary levers: prismatic adaptation, which activates neural networks using special glasses during sessions, and cognitive games, which modulate the difficulty, duration, and speed of the exercises for a personalized approach.

Promising Clinical Results

The project was initiated by Massimiliano Oliveri, a neuropsychologist, who was quickly joined by three other partners, including Agnese Di Garbo, co-founder and now Director of Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Affairs at Neurorestorative Technologies.

“When I joined the project, I was doing a neuropsychology internship at the same clinic where Massimiliano Oliveri was working. I quickly saw the benefits of the prototype for patients and, convinced, joined the project. I’ve even had my family try it since.” — Agnese Di Garbo

The effects of MindLenses are validated by rigorous clinical studies.

For example, in Italy, a study of 150 children with ADHD revealed significant improvements in phonological awareness, verbal working memory, processing speed, planning skills, attention, and semantic comprehension. The benefits were observed for up to six months after the end of the protocol.

A complementary method to existing rehabilitation methods and currently being tested in France

In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, at the Côte Basque Hospital Center, the MindLenses protocol is currently being tested with three patients. Dr. Julien Tujague, a hospital practitioner at this institution, shares his insightful analysis of this tool.

“We are testing MindLenses on patients with mild to moderate motor and cognitive impairments, who have a certain degree of emotional control and sufficient cognitive abilities to understand instructions. When used on the right patient, at the right time, and within the right timeframe, this tool becomes very interesting: it offers a more playful approach than traditional rehabilitation methods and could allow us to go further and be more effective in cognitive recovery.” — Julien Tujague.

Tried for two months at this facility, the first benefits resulting from the use of this tool should begin to be evaluated in the coming weeks.

“It’s an alternative method, which should be used in conjunction with traditional methods, but which I believe will help us improve the quality of recovery.” — Julien Tujague.

Expansion Prospects: Towards the General Public and Home Care

While MindLenses’ initial focus was clinical, its potential now extends beyond this scope.

“By improving brain plasticity, our technology naturally finds its place with children with special needs or athletes.” — Laurent Vandebrouck

A consumer version of the solution is under development. Easy to use at home, it should integrate into the concept of a hospital without walls.

“Currently, the protocols are supervised by healthcare professionals. By the end of the year, we hope to be able to offer a certified version for independent use at home.” — Laurent Vandebrouck

A Strategy for Quality and International Expansion

The European certification obtained according to the requirements of the new regulation on medical devices is a guarantee of quality, all the more commendable given that the criteria have recently been strengthened (volume and quality of clinical data required, traceability, documentation, etc.).

“Certification procedures are designed for large companies. A startup like ours is defined by an unstable environment in its early stages. It was a challenge, but we still obtained our first certification three years ago.” Agnese Di Garbo.

This certification is now a guarantee of quality for patients, demonstrating the product’s clinical benefits, its safety, and the company’s respect for patient data. Agnese Di Garbo herself testifies to the rigor of the certification process:

“To patients, I would like to say not to be afraid of new technologies. The work we do to guarantee the safety of our products is enormous.” Agnese Di Garbo.

The company, founded in Italy by Massimiliano Oliveri, is now beginning its expansion in Europe.

“We could have opted for American FDA certification, but we chose European rigor and proximity.” — Laurent Vandebrouck

France is a priority, with a local presence already established. Other countries, such as Sweden and Denmark, which are very open to innovation in healthcare, have also expressed interest. The United States is also among the target markets, at a later stage.