Autonomix Secures U.S. Patents For Innovative Cancer And Pain Management Technology

Autonomix Medical, Inc. is a medical device company dedicated to transforming the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system-related diseases. The firm has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted U.S. patent 12,064,256 (‘256 patent), titled Systems and Methods for Treating Cancer and/or Augmenting Organ Function.

This newly issued patent covers a range of technologies, including systems, methods, and devices for treating cancerous tumors and cancer-associated pain. Autonomix is initially focusing its development efforts on addressing pain related to pancreatic cancer. Results from a preclinical mouse study showed a statistically significant reduction in tumor size and metastasis following targeted nerve ablation. 

It highlights the critical role neural pathways play in pancreatic cancer progression. While the ongoing proof-of-concept human clinical trial is concentrated on reducing pain by ablating specific nerves near the pancreas, further studies are planned to investigate whether these promising preclinical results can be replicated in humans. Autonomix also aims to explore the potential of its ablation technology to slow pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis in future studies. 

Brad Hauser, CEO of Autonomix, said in a statement, As we continue to advance the development of this potentially groundbreaking technology, bolstering our patent protection remains a key priority. Supported by recent positive preclinical results demonstrated to date, we believe the depth and breadth of our proprietary technology provides the opportunity for further evaluation and we intend to explore its potential to reduce cancer progression and metastases.”

The company’s novel catheter-based sensing technology is protected by a robust global patent portfolio, including over 80 granted patents and 40 pending applications. In addition to the ‘256 patent, the USPTO recently issued two other patents: Endoscopic Sympathectomy Systems and Methods (12,053,634) and Elongated Conductors and Methods of Making and Using the Same (12,070,334).

Autonomix’s innovative platform features a catheter-based microchip sensing array antenna capable of detecting and differentiating neural signals with up to 3,000 times greater sensitivity compared to existing technologies. After identifying target nerves, the platform uses proprietary radio frequency (RF) ablation to destroy the nerves with precision, offering a “sense, treat, and verify” approach. 

This technology is designed to address multiple disease areas, including chronic pain, hypertension, and cardiology. Other than conventional methods, such as opioids or invasive ethanol injections, which often provide only limited relief and carry significant side effects, Autonomix’s platform offers a safer and more targeted solution.