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Ampa Health develops neurostimulation tools to treat mental and neurological disorders, centered on the Ampa One system. Ampa One is a portable, camera-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation device for clinicians that targets mood-regulating brain regions to help adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded to antidepressants. Its differences include suitcase portability, a 2.2-pound coil, a subscription model that covers installation, operator training, coil replacements, and telemedicine-ready design to support hub and satellite clinics. The company aims to expand access to non-invasive brain stimulation for major depressive disorder, including treatment-resistant cases, and is pursuing a protocol to shorten multi-week therapy into a single day, pending FDA clearance.
Industries
Biotechnology
Healthcare
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Seed
Total Funding
$8.5M
Headquarters
Palo Alto, California
Founded
2022
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Total Funding
$8.5M
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Ampa, a Palo Alto-based neurotechnology company, has appointed Dr Doug Nemecek as advisor to support its payer strategy and reimbursement efforts. Dr Nemecek previously served as Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health at The Cigna Group for over two decades. At Cigna, Dr Nemecek led clinical strategy and operations for a multibillion-dollar behavioural health business serving more than 16 million members, overseeing coverage policy and network design. In his advisory role, he will help shape Ampa's approach to payer relationships and generate outcomes evidence for its transcranial magnetic stimulation technology. Ampa develops TMS systems for mental health treatment, with its flagship product Ampa One being a portable, connected device designed to support treatment delivery and quality tracking.
Ampa, a neurotechnology company co-founded by researcher Jonathan Downar, has closed an oversubscribed financing round to accelerate rollout of its portable transcranial magnetic stimulation device for depression treatment. The company has raised over $25 million in total funding, with the latest round led by Morningside Ventures, Trimera Capital, Neta Foundation, Jake Collective and investor Tim Ferriss. The FDA-cleared Ampa One system costs $3,000 monthly, fits in a car boot and requires only hours of training to operate—addressing traditional barriers of expensive, bulky TMS equipment. The device is now used by clinics across more than 30 US states, with demand doubling quarterly. Ampa has also secured regulatory approval in Israel for international expansion.
HOPE Therapeutics, Inc., an NRx Pharmaceuticals subsidiary, announces first-in-florida initiation of One Day depression treatment in partnership with Ampa Health. * ONE-D is the first reported protocol to achieve remission from treatment-resistant depression with a single day of treatment, using an FDA-cleared device. * HOPE is one of the first Ampa deployments nationwide and is now deployed at multiple HOPE locations in Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota, with six locations planned by year-end 2025. * HOPE Medical Director, Rebecca Cohen, MD, is first Ampa-certified psychiatrist in Florida. * Ampa Health has reported nonrandomized results indicating 87% response and 72% remission from treatment resistant depression at 6 weeks with its FDA-cleared device combined with physician-prescribed D-cycloserine and lisdexamfetamine. HOPE Therapeutics(TM), Inc. ("HOPE"), an interventional psychiatry network owned by NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: NRXP) today announced initiation of patient care with for treatment-resistant depression with the Ampa one day (ONE-D) protocol. HOPE is the first to deploy the Ampa technology in Florida and one of the first deployments nationwide. The Ampa device differs from other Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatments in that the peer-reviewed literature has reported a high rate of success (87% response and 72% remission) in nonrandomized trials when a single day of TMS treatment is combined with physician-prescribed D-cycloserine and lisdexamfetamine (note that neither of the drugs reported in the published results is FDA-approved for the stated indication). 1 D-cycloserine was previously reported to substantially enhance the effectiveness of TMS in reducing depression and suicidality by more than two-fold in a placebo-controlled trial using a traditional TMS protocol. 2 Additional supportive findings documenting the effect of D-cycloserine in enhancing the effect of TMS were recently published by a team of researchers led by Prof. Joshua Brown at Harvard's McLean hospital. 3 Dr. Brown additionally serves as the President of the Clinical TMS Society. The Ampa device is initially deployed at multiple HOPE clinic locations in Florida including Sarasota, Naples and Fort Myers, under the direction of Rebecca Cohen, MD, HOPE's Medical Director, with six locations in Florida planned by year-end 2025. The ONE-D protocol offers a new treatment paradigm to patients with severe depression who previously were required to undergo 90 days of TMS. D-cycloserine is an active component of NRX-101, a Breakthrough Therapy designated investigational drug that is available under an expanded access protocol ( www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT05779267) and Federal and State Right to Try regulations. "I am thrilled to be assuming a leadership role in HOPE Therapeutics at a moment when TMS is suddenly demonstrating dramatic results for patients with potential to heal the brain in depression in weeks, rather than months, based on a one-day treatment protocol. Although the results reported by multiple leaders in the field of short-term TMS combined with neuroplastic drugs are not yet based on randomized, prospective data, they are promising and have the potential to change the paradigm of TMS therapy from a three month course of treatment to a far shorter and rapidly effective modality of care. The randomized prospective data demonstrating a greater than two-fold enhancement of the TMS effect when D-cycloserine is added represents a dramatic enhancement. We at HOPE aim to remain on the cutting edge of life transforming therapy for depression and PTSD and to rapidly expand to change the lives of the 13 million Americans who tragically contemplate suicide each year," said Dr. Cohen. HOPE Therapeutics, Inc. (www.hopetherapeutics.com), a subsidiary of NRx Pharmaceuticals, is a Healthcare delivery company that is building a best-in-class network of interventional psychiatry clinics to offer ketamine and other neuroplastic medications, transcranial magnetics stimulation (TMS), Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and other lifesaving therapies to patients with suicidal depression and related disorders, together with a digital therapeutic-enabled platform designed to augment and preserve the clinical benefit of NMDA-targeted drug therapy. HOPE is the first network in Florida to offer the AMPA One Day (ONE-D) treatment that combines TMS, physician-prescribed D-cycloserine, and lisdexamfetamine to achieve remission from treatment resistant depression. NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (www.nrxpharma.com), is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics based on its NMDA platform for the treatment of central nervous system disorders, specifically suicidal depression, chronic pain, and PTSD. The Company is developing NRX-100 (preservative-free intravenous ketamine) and NRX-101, (oral D-cycloserine/lurasidone). NRX-100 has been awarded Fast Track Designation for the treatment of Suicidal ideation in Depression, including Bipolar Depression. NRX-101 has been awarded Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of suicidal bipolar depression. NRx has recently re-filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA), and initiated a New Drug Application filing for NRX-100 with an application for the Commissioner's National Priority Voucher Program for the treatment of suicidal ideation in patients with depression, including bipolar depression. About Ampa Ampa is a neurotechnology company using breakthroughs in neuroscience to create practical tools that help people recover their mental health. Its FDA-cleared Ampa One system and emerging Ampa One Day protocol advance the mission of one billion remissions from mental and neurological disorders. Learn more at www.ampahealth.com The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "may," "will," "should," "would," "expect," "plan," "believe," "intend," "look forward," and other similar expressions among others. These statements relate to future events or to the Company's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The Company has reported regulatory milestones as they have been achieved but has not predicted the outcome of any future regulatory determination. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the Company's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, including uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company's operations, results of operations, growth strategy, and, among other things, liquidity. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Except as may be required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. | For further information: | / | | Matthew Duffy Chief Business Officer, NRx Pharmaceuticals [email protected] | Brian Korb Investor Relations, ASTR Partners 917-653-5122 [email protected] | | PATIENT and PHYSICIAN INQUIRIES 1 -(833)-4HOPETMS www.hopetherapeutics.com | / | [____________________________ 1] Vaughn DA, Marino B, Engelbertson A, et al. Real-world effectiveness of a single day regimen for transcranial magnetic stimulation using Optimized, Neuroplasticity-enhanced techniques in Depression (ONE-D): An open-label case series. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation November 4, 2025, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050529125001163 [2] Cole J, Sohn MN, Harris AD, et al, Efficacy of Adjunctive D-cycloserine to intermittent theta-burst stimulation for major depressive disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2022 79(12):1153-1161 [3] Kim H, Ganesh P, Kweon J, et. al., Effects of D-cycloserine and accelerated TMS on TMS-evoked potentials in the left DLPFC. Brain Stimulation 2025;18:470
Ampa raises A$8.5 million to unlock the brain's hidden potential through neurotechnology. Ampa, a pioneering neuroscience startup, has raised A$8.5 million (US$5.4 million) in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Nexus NeuroTech Ventures, Satori Capital, Morningside Ventures, Continuum Health Ventures, and the Zabara Foundation, among others. The company, co-founded by Dr. Don Vaughn, is building revolutionary brain-based technologies designed to reactivate dormant neural circuits responsible for courage, motivation, and resilience. This round marks a critical step for Ampa's expansion as it prepares to bring its non-invasive neurostimulation platform to market - a technology that could transform how people overcome mental and emotional challenges by literally "amplifying" human potential. Understanding Ampa's mission. At the core of Ampa's work is a bold premise: what if Fenoms could scientifically "turn on" the brain's circuits responsible for confidence and strength? Ampa's proprietary approach integrates cutting-edge neuroscience, AI-powered signal processing, and precision brain mapping to identify and reactivate underused neural pathways. Unlike traditional mental health treatments that rely on medication or talk therapy alone, Ampa's technology aims to stimulate the brain's natural resilience circuits through data-driven, personalized methods. According to Ampa's team, this innovation could help address widespread challenges such as anxiety, depression, and burnout, particularly among individuals seeking evidence-based alternatives to pharmacological treatment. "Each of us has brain circuits that fuel courage and inner strength. Neuroscience has uncovered them - now it's time to turn them back on," reads the company's vision statement. This philosophy underpins Ampa's goal to bridge the gap between neuroscience research and real-world mental performance. Why it matters now. The mental health crisis has reached global proportions. Studies show that 1 in 4 adults worldwide experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives, yet traditional therapies often fall short due to high costs, stigma, and inconsistent outcomes. The next wave of innovation lies in neurotechnology - a sector projected to surpass $25 billion by 2030, driven by rapid advancements in brain-computer interfaces, neuromodulation devices, and AI-driven diagnostics. Ampa's approach represents a paradigm shift, offering a scalable, accessible, and non-invasive way to enhance human emotion regulation and mental resilience. The true opportunity isn't just in treating mental illness - it's in optimizing the baseline of mental performance for everyone. Founders who recognize this shift are moving beyond "fixing problems" to unlocking potential. In the same way wearables revolutionized physical fitness, neuro-interfaces like Ampa's could soon become the "Fitbit for the brain" - tracking, training, and fine-tuning how Fenoms feel and perform. This insight is shaping a new generation of health startups that blend neuroscience with wellness. For founders, the takeaway is clear: the next big health frontier isn't physical - it's cognitive and emotional. The science behind the system. Ampa's neuro-stimulation platform works by targeting specific brain networks that correlate with emotional strength, motivation, and confidence. Using advanced neuroimaging data, the system identifies neural regions that show hypoactivity - essentially areas that are under-performing - and applies low-intensity electrical patterns designed to re-ignite their natural firing rates. This process is completely non-invasive, relying on wearable sensors and adaptive algorithms that personalize stimulation protocols over time. Ampa's product roadmap suggests future integrations with consumer-grade neuro-headsets and clinical rehabilitation tools for trauma recovery and mental health treatment. What sets Ampa apart from competitors is its focus on the emotional performance layer - the everyday courage, focus, and drive that shape human potential. By merging neuroscience and behavior science, Ampa aims to make mental optimization as measurable as physical fitness. Investors and strategic backing. Ampa's backers reflect a strong convergence of neuroscience, health tech, and impact-driven capital. Nexus NeuroTech Ventures and Continuum Health Ventures specialize in frontier neurotechnologies, while Satori Capital brings expertise in sustainable, purpose-driven growth. Meanwhile, Morningside Ventures and the Zabara Foundation provide strategic global networks that position Ampa for rapid clinical and commercial scaling. This funding will accelerate product validation, expand Ampa's R&D infrastructure, and support key clinical trials to prove efficacy across anxiety, motivation, and recovery outcomes. Dr. Don Vaughn, a neuroscientist and co-founder, emphasized the broader mission: "We're building more than a device - we're building a bridge between the lab and the lives of millions. Our vision is a world where neuroscience helps people rediscover their inner strength." A growing trend in neuro-innovation. Ampa's funding aligns with a broader wave of neuro-focused innovation sweeping Silicon Valley and beyond. Companies like Neuralink, Kernel, and Emotiv have already demonstrated the commercial viability of brain-computer interfaces. However, Ampa's model stands out for its focus on human emotional restoration rather than cognitive enhancement alone. This emotional-neural niche is becoming increasingly lucrative. According to recent data, venture funding for neurotech startups grew by more than 40% in 2024, signaling rising investor confidence in technologies that merge mental health and performance enhancement. What's next for Ampa. With this fresh injection of A$8.5 million, Ampa plans to expand its engineering and neuroscience teams, advance its clinical validation programs, and launch pilot deployments with select health providers by early 2026. The company also aims to explore partnerships with universities, mental health clinics, and wellness ecosystems to accelerate the adoption of its brain-based resilience technology. As the conversation around mental health evolves from illness to optimization, Ampa stands at the frontier of a movement that reframes what human potential really means. Through science, data, and a touch of neuro-magic, the startup isn't just healing minds - it's helping people rediscover the courage wired within them. Growth & scaling insights. Latest additions.
Ampa has launched a nationwide rollout of its FDA-cleared Ampa One brain stimulation system after securing an oversubscribed $8.5M funding round led by Nexus NeuroTech Ventures. The system offers a portable, non-invasive treatment for mental health, with the Ampa One Day protocol condensing multi-week TMS therapy into a single day. Investors, including Satori Capital and Morningside Ventures, see Ampa as a transformative force in mental health treatment.
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Industries
Biotechnology
Healthcare
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Seed
Total Funding
$8.5M
Headquarters
Palo Alto, California
Founded
2022
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today