Cortical challenge and recovery test (CCaRT): Market assessment for an rTMS-based cognitive assessment system.

CCART是一个认知评估系统，包括评估大脑健康的三个重要参数的方案、软件和设备：1)皮质弹性，2)单向皮质可塑性，3)双向皮质可塑性。CCART的创新之处在于，它使用经颅磁刺激(RTMS)结合认知测试和功能性近红外光谱(FNIRS)来产生目前无法从市场上任何其他评估中获得的新的大脑健康参数。该范式包括在大脑刺激前后进行认知测试，以量化最初的抑制效应，然后对恢复进行时间锁定的测量。这一新的指标可以通过构建一个标准数据库来提供有意义的信息，以便与所产生的百分比值进行比较。基于这一指标通过云准备的解释性报告将提供更多价值，特别是在临床环境中。目前，没有其他解决方案可以确定尚未进行常规评估的大脑健康参数。滑铁卢的技术是第一个利用rTMS来识别这种特定的大脑健康参数(皮质弹性)的技术。CCART在影响大脑的神经和精神疾病方面具有很大的诊断潜力，并有许多研究应用。滑铁卢技术的优势包括：(1)具有正常参考结果比较的大脑健康评估，(2)半自动认知评估，以及(3)非常适合服务收费的临床环境，或临床研究环境(例如，临床试验、纵向研究)。作为这项市场评估赠款的一部分，被选中的顾问(Adventus)将进行彻底的市场分析，以确定最合适的市场机会以及与在特定市场细分市场中应用技术相关的技术、营销和财务挑战。有利的市场评估结果将1)制定商业化战略，并有助于吸引潜在的许可证持有者2)形成提交后续NSERC I2I阶段1项目提案的基础。

CCaRT is a cognitive assessment system comprising protocols, software and apparatus for the assessment of three important parameters of brain health: 1) cortical resilience 2) unidirectional cortical plasticity, and 3) bidirectional cortical plasticity. CCaRT is innovative in that is uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) interleaved with cognitive testing and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to produce new parameters of brain health that are not currently derived from any other assessment on the market. The paradigm involves cognitive testing before and after brain stimulation to quantify the initial suppression effect followed by subsequent time-locked measurements of recovery. This novel metric can provide meaningful information by constructing a normative database with which to compare the percentage value generated. Interpretive reports prepared via cloud based on this metric will provide more value particularly in clinical settings. Currently, there are no other solutions that can identify a brain health parameter that is not already routinely assessed. Waterloo's technology is the first to make use of rTMS for identifying this specific brain health parameter (cortical resilience). The diagnostic potential of CCaRT is substantial in relation to neurological and psychiatric disorders that affect the brain, and there are numerous research applications. Advantages of Waterloo's technology include: (1) brain health assessment with norm-referenced outcome comparison, (2) semi-automated cognitive assessment, and (3) well suited to clinical settings where services are billed, or in clinical research contexts (e.g., clinical trials, longitudinal studies). As part of this Market Assessment grant, the selected consultant (Adventus) will perform a thorough market analysis to identify the most suitable market opportunities along with technical, marketing and financial challenges associated with the application of the technology in a particular market segment. A favorable market assessment result will 1) formulate the commercialization strategy and help attract potential licensees 2) form the basis for submitting a follow-on NSERC I2I Phase 1 project proposal.