NATIONAL NEUROTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE (NNTI) Overview
Neurotechnology holds the potential to transform nearly every aspect of our lives and revolutionize our conception of the human mind. The science of the brain is moving forward more rapidly than any other science today. Federal leadership is needed to guide development of this technology and bring its benefits to those who need it.
The National Neurotechnology Initiative (NNTI) will establish a Federal R&D program, based in a National Coordination Office (NCO), to direct multi-agency efforts in neurotechnology. It will provide an opportunity for balanced and focused strategic investment across Federal agencies to accelerate development of vitally important areas of the field.
Neurotechnology is Vital to the Nation
While the field of neuroscience is highly advanced, our understanding of how the brain works still has many gaps and our ability to repair damage remains limited. Recent discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of the human brain, and new applications are emerging almost daily, ranging from neuropharmaceuticals to neurostimulation devices to advanced prosthetics. But critical unmet medical needs remain in almost every area of brain and nervous system disorders, including:
• Alzheimer's disease, addiction, anxiety, depression, epilepsy
• multiple sclerosis, obesity, chronic pain, sensory disorders, spinal cord injury
• stroke, schizophrenia, sleep disorders, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease
The national economic burden from these disorders is estimated at $500 billion and is growing alarmingly due to an aging population. Investigation into the mechanisms and functions of the brain will lead to vastly improved understanding of brain disease and injuries, human cognition and behavior, and will give us an unprecedented ability to treat and heal those in need.
A Coordinated National Effort is Needed
Very little coordination of neuroscience and neurotechnology research exists today, and researchers have recommended Federal leadership in developing the tools and knowledge needed to advance this field. Previous successful models of coordinated Federal investment initiatives include the Human Genome Project and the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). Like these two programs, the NNTI would lead to a cascade of investment, discovery, applications, and benefits that can only be imagined today. At the same time, a Federal research effort can help ensure the responsible development of neurotechnology by establishing ethical guidelines and policy for research, development, and applications.
The United States Must Lead the Neurotechnology Revolution
In addition to the race to uncover the workings of the mind, there is another race underway: one that will determine where the neurotechnology industry will reside and prosper. Huge economic payoffs will accrue to the countries that successfully nurture the emerging neurotechnology industry, and the growth of strong neurotech regions will have long lasting implications on employment, infrastructure development and regional competitiveness. The 21st century race has begun with the United States in the lead, but the United Kingdom, China, Sweden, Japan and Germany are developing centers of neurotechnology excellence. Neurotechnology applications have the potential to transform highly specialized areas of medicine, computing, and defense, but also will affect the everyday lives of Americans. How this revolution plays out, and the benefits or consequences of new technologies, will depend on the US Government taking a leadership role in neurotechnology R&D.
NATIONAL NEUROTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE (NNTI) GOALS:
• Develop the supporting infrastructure and tools needed to advance neurotechnology and new treatments for the brain and nervous system;
• Develop a highly advanced, interdisciplinary, interagency R&D program in neurotechnology;
• Facilitate development and transfer of new technologies in medicine, assistive devices, learning, computing, and other products that will benefit the public good and the national interest; and
• Support responsible development of neurotechnology through research in ethical, legal and social issues arising from emerging technologies.
SUMMARY OF THE NATIONAL NEUROTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE ACT
In consultation with its members, the Neurotechnology Industry Organization (NIO) is drafting a National Neurotechnology Initiative Act for introduction in Congress later this year. The Act is designed to unite and expand federal neurotechnology R&D efforts under a National Neurotechnology Initiative (NNTI).
Key Provisions of the National Neurotechnology Initiative Act
Coordination
• Establishes an NNTI for the purpose of setting goals and priorities for neurotechnology R&D, investing in R&D toward those goals, and coordinating interagency R&D efforts.
• Authorizes the NNTI to:
o Coordinate, support, and extend the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research;
o Coordinate and support neuroscience Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs;
o Facilitate testing and evaluation of advances in neuromedicine, including drugs, diagnostics, and devices; and
o Coordinate and promote the study of the social, ethical, and legal aspects of neurotechnology.
• Establishes a National Neurotechnology Coordinating Office, with a Director and staff, within the Department of Health and Human Services to help agencies plan joint and complementary research strategies and to serve as the unified voice of federal neurotechnology efforts.
• Creates an advisory panel of experts from industry, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations to inform the NNTI on issues including R&D priorities, technology transfer, commercial applications, and ethical, legal, and social issues.
National Institutes of Health
• Increases funding for the NIH Blueprint and for neurotechnology-related NIH SBIR and STTR programs.
Food and Drug Administration
• Provides funding for FDA recruitment and training of qualified neurotechnology experts;
• Provides funding for FDA neurotechnology workshops to develop standards for preclinical testing and clinical trial endpoints
Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues
• Provides for a research center to study the ethical, legal and social issues of neurotechnology, along with major studies on responsible development of neurotechnology and on the economic impact of neurotechnology.
NIO Needs Your Input
The National Neurotechnology Initiative Act will be landmark legislation with a sweeping impact on the entire field of neurotechnology. Ensure that your organization’s priorities, goals, and concerns are addressed as this bill moves forward: join NIO today and help craft the nation’s plan for neurotechnology research and development.
Please contact Zack Lynch for more information on this important initiative.
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