Cognoptix, Inc.

About Cognoptix, Inc.

Cognoptix, Inc., a diagnostic equipment company founded in 2001, is focused on the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. The company, formerly known as Neuroptix, is developing a non-invasive eye-scanning system designed to identify the disease before significant symptoms manifest. The core technology originated from research at Brigham and Women's Hospital by co-founders Dr. Lee Goldstein and Dr. Leo Chylack, who discovered that beta-amyloid proteins, a key indicator of Alzheimer's, could be detected in the lens of the eye. Dr. Goldstein, now at Boston University School of Medicine, continues to provide the foundational science for the company's technology.

Cognoptix is developing the SAPPHIRE II system, a combination product consisting of a drug and a device. The procedure involves applying a fluorescent ophthalmic ointment that binds to beta-amyloid aggregates in the eye's lens. A laser-based instrument then scans the eye, measuring the fluorescent signal to confirm the presence of the amyloid proteins. This entire test can be conducted in a physician's office, delivering results in under five minutes. Clinical trials have shown promising results, with one study demonstrating 85% sensitivity and 95% specificity in distinguishing Alzheimer's patients from healthy volunteers, showing strong correlation with PET brain scans, the current standard for amyloid detection.

The company's primary market includes neurology and primary care practices, offering a cost-effective and accessible alternative to more invasive and expensive diagnostic methods like PET scans. Cognoptix plans to employ a reagent-rental business model, which minimizes the initial investment for medical practices. Beyond diagnostics, the technology is also positioned as a tool for pharmaceutical companies to use in clinical trials for patient monitoring and titration of Alzheimer's drugs. The company, which has raised approximately $64.4 million in funding, is privately held and venture-backed by investors including Launchpad Venture Group, Inventages, and Alopexx.