Astrocyte and MyoLink supported by FIF

Two Geneva-based life sciences projects have been selected to receive funding through the FONGIT Innovation Fund (FIF). Astrocyte and MyoLink, received a grant and a Seed Loan.

MyoLink: Simplifying muscle monitoring for gait rehabilitation

MyoLink is addressing unmet needs in gait rehabilitation with a non-invasive, easy-to-set-up system for real-time muscle monitoring. Current tools are often complex, subjective, and unsuitable for telemedicine applications. MyoLink’s solution uses elastic bands with integrated electrodes to deliver quantitative data on muscle activity and movement, streamlining assessments for clinicians and enabling patient use at home.

Coming from the EPFL and located at Campus Biotech in Geneva, neural engineering expert Vincent Mendez, PhD and his team bring significant expertise in biosignal processing, electronics, and translational research, positioning them to transform rehabilitation practices.

The project received a CHF 50,000 FIF Grant.

Astrocyte: targeted therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

Astrocyte is developing a new brain-penetrant inhibitor to improve memory function in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by targeting astrocyte signaling. Unlike conventional therapies, this innovative approach addresses a critical but underexplored mechanism and has demonstrated effectiveness in preclinical models by protecting against memory loss.

The team is led by Prof. Andrea Volterra, an internationally recognized neuroscientist and recipient of the 2017 Theodore Ott Prize, with extensive expertise in astrocyte function.

Located at Campus Biotech in Geneva and supported by the Wyss Center, Astrocyte will collaborate with the HUG Memory Clinic, neuroscience groups at the University of Geneva, and research entities at Campus Biotech such as FONGIT-supported Gliapharm SA.