What's the Hype with Neuro? A Lesson in the Brain - With Hannah Claridge
In this episode, your host, Henry Norton, is joined by Hannah Claridge, the Head of Neurotechnology at TTP, to talk about the incredible advancements that are being made to treat neurological conditions. Hannah points out how complex the brain and nervous systems are, with both relying on intricate connections. She also explores the new technologies that are being developed to treat nervous disorders, such as spinal cord stimulation. She also compared neurotechnologies to pharmaceuticals, highlighting the parallels and differences in how they interact with the body. Hannah also suggested that neurotherapy will be key to the advancement of treatments for conditions like depression, due to their ability to provide targeted and long-term relief of symptoms. Cybersecurity is also a major concern for neurotechnology, as any malfunction or deliberate interference could have serious ramifications for patients.
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What's the Hype with Neuro? A Lesson in the Brain
Hannah Claridge, Head of Neurotechnology at TTP
Rethinking Neurotech: Smarter Devices, Targeted Therapy, and the Future of Brain Interfaces
The field of neurotechnology is moving fast — and for good reason. From managing depression and chronic pain to restoring movement after stroke, neurotech is unlocking new treatment frontiers that pharmaceuticals often can’t reach.
In a recent episode of The Crux of MedTech, we sat down with Hannah Claridge, Head of Neurotech at TTP, to explore where the industry is going, what’s holding it back, and why smarter brain interfaces might soon be helping patients live longer, healthier lives.
🔍 Why Neurotech, and Why Now?
Unlike traditional drugs that rely on chemical pathways, neurotechnology taps directly into the nervous system. It offers a more targeted, adjustable, and potentially side-effect-reducing way to treat neurological conditions.
“Neuromodulation works differently for different people — and can often be adjusted in real-time based on need or lifestyle. That’s a huge shift from the one-size-fits-all model of daily pills.” — Hannah Claridge
Neurotech is also appealing to patients who want to maintain their identity and cognitive sharpness. In conditions like ADHD or depression, some patients are hesitant to take medication due to its broad effects. Implantable or non-invasive neuromodulation could offer an alternative.
🧠 Technology Driving Progress
Several advances are enabling the next generation of devices:
Flexible brain interfaces: Thinner, softer materials reduce the invasiveness of implants.
Miniaturised batteries: Better energy density and wireless power allow implants to be placed in new areas of the body.
Smarter software: Devices can now sense neural activity as well as stimulate it — allowing for adaptive therapies that change in real time.
The combination of these technologies is enabling more precise stimulation, fewer side effects, and better patient outcomes.
💥 Real-World Impact: From Paralysis to Depression
Neurotech is already transforming lives — especially for those with few other options:
Spinal cord stimulation offers an alternative to opioids for chronic pain.
Deep brain stimulation is being trialled for treatment-resistant depression.
BCIs (Brain-Computer Interfaces) are helping patients with paralysis or ALS communicate and regain control.
“We’ve seen patients who hadn’t moved a limb in 10 years make real progress after using neuromodulation therapies — that’s the power of personalised neural tech.” — Hannah Claridge
⚠️ What’s Holding Neurotech Back?
Despite breakthroughs, scaling neurotech remains tough. The two biggest barriers?
Clinical Awareness & Training Many doctors don’t yet know what’s available — or don’t have a pathway to refer patients. Plus, the surgeries required often need highly specialised training.
Personalisation vs. Scalability These devices work best when personalised. But highly individualised MRI and electrode mapping isn't always feasible in large-scale rollout.
There’s also the matter of reimbursement, which slows access even further.
🧩 TTP’s Role: From Lab to Launch
TTP is helping neurotech companies build smarter, safer, user-ready devices. Their approach combines:
Deep scientific understanding of how the therapies work
Rigorous engineering for miniaturisation and reliability
User-centred design for both clinicians and patients
“It’s not just about building a device that works — it’s about building something that people can and will actually use, every day.” — Hannah Claridge
🔮 What’s Next?
The future of neurotech includes:
Non-invasive devices with lower risk and wider adoption
Closed-loop systems that adapt to patient states in real time
Greater ethical scrutiny and data protection around brain data
And yes, companies like Neuralink — despite the hype — are helping bring attention, investment, and legitimacy to the field.
Final Thought
Neurotechnology won’t replace pharmaceuticals — but it’s already becoming an essential alternative. With smarter hardware, better patient insights, and stronger clinical design, we’re seeing the emergence of a powerful new tool in medicine.
As Hannah puts it:
“Neurotech is still young — but its potential to change lives is enormous. We’re just getting started.”
