CogState is a global cognitive science, services, and technology company that supports the use of cognitive measures in clinical trials, academic research, sports, and the workplace. Established in 1999 and becoming a publicly listed company on the ASX in 2004, CogState is one of the fastest growing technology companies in Australia. In 2006, CogState was ranked no. 12 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 in recognition of its progress.
CogState provides products and services to 4 distinct but complementary markets:
CogState ClinicalTrials
CogState ClinicalTrials is a total service provider of cognitive testing services. Our services include:
Consulting:
The CogState Science team will support the design and execution of the protocol with a broad and deep knowledge of cognitive science and neuropsychological testing in pharmaceutical development. Contributions can include, but are not limited to:
- Optimizing the experimental design and selection of tests most suitable to detect putative change
- Practical advice and implementation in the preparation of easy-to-use source documents to minimize data collection errors
- Design of an optimal training and certification program for the cognitive battery
- Central monitoring of rater administration and scoring
- Support for post hoc analysis and interpretation of results with Sponsors, key opinion leaders and regulators
Computerized Cognitive Tests:
The CogState computerized cognitive tasks were designed to be culturally neutral with minimal language requirements, making them particularly well suited for multinational studies. The CogState computerized tasks have been validated across a wide range of pathophysiological conditions and demonstrate construct validity. The combination of: a) increased rates of sampling; b) optimized data distributional properties of outcome measures; c) minimal effects of practice or fatigue, and d) the ability to re-test at short intervals, mean that the sensitivity of the CogState cognitive tests to true change is unsurpassed in the industry. Of equal importance, these characteristics also minimize the potential for Type I errors and are ideally suited for detecting change.
Rater Training and Related Services:
These services include scientific consultation, scales management, rater selection/training/certification/recalibration and quality control. These services are provided for all scales and tests, including traditional paper and pencil, used in clinical trials measuring cognition. CogState’s legacy of cognitive science and technology, the size and depth of its science team of neuropsychologists, and its systematic integration of science, operations and technology make it unique as a vendor of these services, delivering exemplary service and innovation.
CogState Research
CogState Research is an academically oriented version of the CogState ClinicalTrials software. With the same proven rapidity, sensitivity and validity, this software provides academic researchers with a powerful method of testing cognition at a competitive price. It has been used by institutions such as Yale University, the University of Melbourne and the Australian Government's National Health & Medical Research Council.
CogState tests use simple but effective technology to detect cognitive change in subjects. The tests begin by taking a baseline measurement from a subject who is then periodically retested in order to detect cognitive change. CogState testing utilizes culture-neutral stimuli, which ensures that a wide range of subjects can be tested regardless of their ethnicity, socio-economic background or education. CogState tests are extremely sensitive and their validity has been demonstrated in over 100 peer-reviewed articles.
Axon Sports
Axon Sports is an invaluable computerized tool for the management of concussed professional and amateur athletes. After a player is concussed, Axon Sports allows team management and physicians to monitor the athlete's cognitive abilities against a baseline reading that was taken prior to injury. Due to its sensitivity, this software can detect even the mildest of cognitive impairments that other methods of concussion management are unable to identify. Customers include: FIFA, UK Rugby Football League, teams in The Australian Football League and South African Rugby.
CogState Dementia Screening
CogState recently entered into an agreement with Merck Canada Inc., providing Merck with the exclusive right to market and promote the CogState dementia screening test in Canada. The first commercial sale is expected to occur before the end of 2012.
The partnership between CogState and Merck will provide Canadian physicians with a tool to help them with early detection of cognitive decline in their patients. “We believe that with CogState and Merck working together, Canadian patients can benefit from expanded cognitive assessment capability in the marketplace," said Christian Sauvageau, Vice President of Customer Innovation Solutions for Merck Canada. “This partnership is part of Merck`s ongoing commitment to finding treatments for diseases involving the central nervous system.”
The full ASX release can be read here.
