In this interview with MEDICA-tradefair.com, Mark Caffrey unveils a novel approach to treating depression that harnesses the power of light, potentially sidestepping the drawbacks of traditional pharmacological therapies.
Mr. Caffrey, what inspired you to establish Syntropic Medical and develop your innovative technology?
Mark Caffrey: My journey in medical device innovation began during my studies at the University of Galway, a hub for this field. The inspiration specifically for Syntropic came from meeting Dr. Alessandro Venturino and Prof. Sandra Siegert at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria. They had discovered a cell type in the brain that could potentially rewire its connections, offering a new approach to treating depression, a prevalent issue in today’s society.
Could you elaborate on how this technology works?
Caffrey: Our technology leverages a concept called neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This ability decreases as we age, but our device uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate a type of brain cell known as microglial cells. These cells then play a role in temporarily removing the inhibitory structures around neurons, essentially 'unlocking' the brain's natural ability to form new connections and heal itself.
The light, delivered through a device resembling a pair of goggles, sends precise signals to these cells, promoting the brain’s reorganization. This process has shown to alleviate symptoms by enabling the brain to counteract some of the neural pathways that contribute to depression.