Moffitt, Michael, PhD

Biomedical Engineer with particular interest in modulation of neural systems 

Dr. Moffitt spent 18-plus years working in the medical device industry as an expert in electrical stimulation (spinal cord stimulation – SCS; deep brain stimulation – DBS) and returned to Case Western Reserve University as an Associate Professor to focus on driving neural therapies based on photobiomodulation (PBM).

PBM can elicit fascinating effects that are extremely relevant translationally. For example, light delivered at proper wavelengths and doses can (1) selectively inhibit small somatosensory neurons, which has the potentially to be extremely useful in the treatment of various pain syndromes; (2) can expedite healing processes and reduce inflammation, which has the potential to and minimize damage in the post-traumatic period following spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury; and (3) can reduce oxidative stress and increase ATP production, with implications in some neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease and others.

Dr. Moffitt’s prior commercial experience provides a valuable perspective in translation of novel therapies to the commercial and clinical spaces. His industry experience included many activities, from individual contributor to technical lead on Boston Scientific’s first DBS system (Vercise™) to management roles (Distinguished Corporate Fellow and Head of the Neuromodulation Research and Advanced Concepts team within R&D), and spanning development of sophisticated models and algorithms, generation of intellectual property (inventor or co-inventor of about 200 issued US patents), technical support for regulatory submissions, diligence in partnership and acquisition deals, working with physician-customers, patients, collaborating scientists, and leading team members in similar activities.

A hallmark of Moffitt’s career has been taking ideas from concept to commercialization with examples including the Illumina3D™ stimulation steering algorithm, the Cartesia™ directional DBS lead with corresponding steering and visualization algorithms, and DBS Anodic Monopolar stimulation.

Strengths: technical expertise, communication, the ability work well with people – both internal and external, and the ability to envision novel solutions to problems, and a sense for how things will or will not be valued by customers.  He is driven by seeing translation of ideas to products that help people.

Publications (Select)

Entire publication list can be found here.