News

Richmond’s BrainBox Solutions secures another patent for its concussion test

Richmond biotech BrainBox Solutions Inc., the maker of an artificial intelligence-enabled concussion test, has earned a broad patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a set of eight biomarkers that correlate to specific findings on MRI tests.

CEO Donna Edmonds said in a statement the biomarkers covered by the patent include indicators of specific brain dysfunction, “enabling objective assessments of longer-term injury risk and the need for further monitoring and diagnostic testing.”

The patent also provides a foundation for future application in the diagnosis and monitoring of neurologic disease, Edmunds said.

Its product incorporates a panel of its patented blood biomarkers as well as neurocognitive testing to provide a single–system score that measures the severity of a brain injury and post-concussive symptoms.

The company said its lead traumatic brain injury test for adults is in the final enrollment phase for a clinical trial that could lead to bringing the test to market in the U.S.

In March 2022, the company was awarded a $3.5 million grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to support the development of a diagnostic tool for concussions and cognitive impairment in the elderly. The company said at the time the funding would allow it to expand its technology and collect more clinical and scientific evidence, bringing it closer to its goal of developing traumatic brain injury tests for all patient groups.

BrainBox is funding its trials through a $23 million Series A round announced in late 2020. That round was led by Massachusetts-based BioVentures Investors and included participation from the Tauber Foundation of Bethesda, the Virginia Tech Carilion Innovation and Seed Funds, San Francisco’s Genoa VC, New York’s Pharmakon Holdings LLC and additional investors, including NBA veteran Kevin Love.

The company has raised more than $32 million to date, according to Crunchbase.

In February, BrainBox announced it was collaborating with the chief medical officer of USA Hockey for a study evaluating blood and saliva biomarkers for concussion in elite prep hockey players.

Learn more here.

Recent News

04/02/2025

VCU startup wins $800k grant to propel its infection-fighting surgical gel

With an innovation that could advance brain and spinal surgeries, a Virginia Commonwealth University startup has received an $800,000 state grant to support development of its infection-fighting gel. Pascal Medical Corp. is one of four grant recipients to receive awards from Virginia Catalyst, a nonprofit created by the General Assembly and funded by the state’s general

04/02/2025

Quoin Pharmaceuticals Announces Additional Positive ‘Whole Body’ Clinical Data from Ongoing Pediatric Netherton Syndrome Study and Approval to Initiate Testing of a Second Pediatric Patient

Quoin Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (NASDAQ: QNRX) (the “Company” or “Quoin”), a late clinical stage, specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutic products that treat rare and orphan diseases, today announces additional highly positive clinical data from its ongoing Investigator Pediatric Netherton Syndrome (NS) study. After 6 weeks of continued whole body application

04/02/2025

Charlottesville Angel Network Celebrates 10 Years, Surpasses $20 Million in Investments

The Charlottesville Angel Network (CAN), a group of accredited investors dedicated to supporting early-stage ventures, proudly marks its 10th anniversary this month. Since its inception, CAN angel investor members have invested more than $20 million in nearly 80 startups, fostering innovation both locally and beyond. Reflecting on a decade of achievements, CAN has realized returns