With the global pandemic leading to a big rise in mental health issues, medtech could have a role to play. In Vivo explores transcranial magnetic stimulation systems that are being used to treat severe anxiety and depression, among other indications. As well as the skyrocketing use of telehealth, apps and light therapy for mental health indications.  

With the global pandemic leading to a big rise in mental health issues, medtech could have a role to play. In this first part of a two-part series focusing on mental health tech, Medtech Insight focuses on transcranial magnetic stimulation systems used to treat severe anxiety and depression, among other indications. Part two will focus on the skyrocketing use of telehealth, apps and light therapy.   

The conventional wisdom in the medtech industry is to pursue the “razor-razor blade” business model, as each placement of capital equipment generates a lucrative annuity of recurring revenues from disposables. The corollary to this conventional wisdom is that so-called “big iron” is to be avoided as, in sharp contrast, it suffers from greater early cash requirements and longer sales cycles that create difficulties forecasting quarterly revenues, and provides no annuities. But that view is no longer the only one that counts, Health Advances CEO Mark Speers argues.

Venture Capital Edition: Pfizer deprioritized neuroscience as an early R&D focus earlier this year, but will stay involved by spending 25% of the $600m added to its venture fund on neurology investments. Also, China VC investment keeps up fast pace and Alta Partners closes a new $130m health care fund.