GSK and Verily Life Sciences(formerly Google Life Sciences) recently announced the creation of Galvani Bioelectronics which will realize the dream of creating bioelectronic therapeutics, truly ushering in the era of AI in human health solutions. At a cumulative investment of over US $ 700 million, this is a proverbial moon shot with an exciting array of therapeutic and technological possibilities, from simple wearables, target- embedded nano sensors, to assistance and surgical robotics. Though bioelectronics have been in the radar of GSK for several years, Verily brings in a technological sophistication which few in the industry can match.
Though bioelectronics has been around for sometime (the now ubiquitous pacemaker for example), they were more suitable for larger systemic applications. The future belongs to nano devices that can be homed to target cells precisely, pushing the boundaries of technology and basic science to new frontiers. With Verily’s focus shifting to disease- centric technologies, rather than next-gen tech for applications, GSK’s existing network for bioelectronics research and clinical expertise can offer precise therapeutics for chronic diseases such as diabetes, parkinson’s and depression. Also exciting is the possibility this opens to harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health care solutions.
To me, one practical target for bioelectronic therapeutics would be in manageable, behavioral disorders, which need everyday intervention and life style changes in both the patient and those around the patient. A well- known example is diabetes. But lower profile disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which affect a large number of individuals, will also be good targets for such intervention. These individuals are usually highly functional. Though there is still some confusion as to what constitutes ADD, ADD diagnosis among children has exploded in recent years. In kids, especially, this is a burdensome disorder, most needing medication (usually stimulants) and/ or behavioral therapy to just help get through the school day. Simple nano- devices, that could say, trigger the release of dopamine, a neuro transmitter thought to be produced in low levels in the brain of individuals with ADD, or precisely detect neurotransmitter levels, so that personalized medication is possible, can lead to a long term, sustainable solution for ADD. This may seem like low- hanging fruit for bioelectronics solutions, but could be the gateway for understanding other more complex disorders such as autism, bipolar syndrome and so on.
To summarize, the creation of Galvani is a very exciting prospect for healthcare solutions, and the right disruption needed today.