Company Interview / The Cochlear-backed startup taking epilepsy monitoring deeper

Key points:

Epiminder (ASX:EPI) launches following $125 million IPO, backed by Cochlear (ASX:COH)Device offers long-term, objective seizure monitoring for epilepsy sufferersInitial market focus on 1.1 million US adults with drug-resistant epilepsyOngoing R&D and AI integration aim to support next-generation medical technology

Epiminder (ASX:EPI), supported by Cochlear (ASX:COH), debuted on the ASX after raising $125 million in its IPO, with initial shares priced at $1.50. Dr Rohan Hoare highlights the company’s subscalp monitoring device for epilepsy, addressing an unmet need in the neurological space. Unlike current technologies, the device enables continuous monitoring of seizures over extended periods, offering the first objective measure of seizure burden for patients and clinicians.

Hoare outlines that Epiminder’s strategy involves initially targeting the US market, particularly the 1.1 million adults suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy. Successful trials, including the Umpire trial in Australia, led to FDA approval and demonstrated significant impact, with clinicians altering patient care in 88% of cases based on device data. Hoare sees the Australian IPO as a natural move given Epiminder’s local origins and remains focused on securing TGA approval and exploring Medicare access for Australian patients.

Cochlear retains 36% of Epiminder after the IPO, with management holding around 10% in options. The company’s current clinical focus includes the US Detect trial and ongoing R&D, in part leveraging Cochlear’s advanced platforms, and integrating artificial intelligence to further enhance data analysis and clinical decision-making.