MicroTransponder – which is one of the fastest-growing stroke companies – announced it is transforming the stroke continuum of care with its FDA-approved Vivistim Paired VNS System. The company also announced it has raised $75 million led by US Venture Partners (USVP) and the syndicate of current investors, Osage University Partners, Action Potential Venture Capital, GPG Ventures, The Vertical Group and Exceller Hunt Ventures, as well as two new investors, Gilde Healthcare and Longitude Capital.
Vivistim is the first and only FDA-approved intervention clinically proven to help chronic ischemic stroke survivors regain 2-3 times more upper extremity function than high-intensity stroke therapy alone. Approved via Breakthrough Device Designation, Vivistim is an implanted device that a therapist pairs with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) during high-repetition, goal-oriented therapy tasks.
This Paired VNS Therapy helps increase neuroplasticity so stroke survivors are able to make unprecedented gains with their hands and arms during activities of daily living.
Real-world data presented at the 2025 International Stroke Conference by two independent comprehensive stroke centers complements the clinical studies proving the effectiveness of Paired VNS Therapy for chronic stroke survivors.
Vivistim’s adoption is a testament to the approach between MicroTransponder and the hospital systems and clinics that recognize the need for an evidence-based chronic stroke intervention. And these partnerships leverage robust education, awareness, and referral initiatives to seamlessly connect stroke survivors to implanting surgeons and Paired VNS Therapy providers.
KEY QUOTES:
“The MicroTransponder executive leadership team is building the company in a very thoughtful way to establish Vivistim Therapy™ as the standard of care for stroke survivors. We’re excited by the combination of commercial excellence and the overwhelmingly positive clinical outcomes that show material improvements in stroke survivors’ quality of life with Paired VNS Therapy.”
- Casey Tansey, a USVP general partner and MicroTransponder board member
“We’ve built programs in 20% of Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Centers and 50% of Becker’s 2024 100 Great Neuro and Spine Programs by presenting Vivistim as the evidence-based chronic stroke recovery solution that’s been missing from the stroke continuum of care. In partnership with leading healthcare providers, we’ve helped build new programs that support our goal of changing the standard of care for stroke treatment across the US, renewing hope for stroke survivors and their caregivers.”
- Richard Foust, MicroTransponder’s CEO
