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Neuronetics Announces Expanded TMS Therapy Access Through Aetna Health Plans

Key Takeaway: Neuronetics, Inc. has announced that Aetna will now allow transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment for major depressive disorder to be ordered by behavioral health nurse practitioners, thereby increasing patient access. Notably, the requirement for a four-month psychotherapy trial has been removed, enabling quicker initiation of treatment for those in need. This represents a significant policy update as Aetna is one of the largest health plans in the U.S., covering over 16.8 million lives. The move reflects a broader trend among insurers to improve access to mental health treatments.
Price reaction · baseline $2.09 (2023-07-18 close) · hit after-hours · clean, no other STIM news in the window
day 0 close · peak
-4.3%

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Aetna's update improves access to TMS treatments for patients.
  • The policy change removes previous barriers, enhancing care delivery.
  • Neuronetics is gaining momentum with multiple health plans expanding coverage.

BiopharmaWatch Analysis

From our catalyst data and publicly available data · not financial advice
Cash runway
~57 mo
Minimal dilution risk
Lead asset
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Phase 3 · Major Depressive Disorder

Full Press Release Details

MALVERN, Pa., July 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neuronetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STIM), a commercial stage medical technology company focused on designing, developing, and marketing products that improve the quality of life for patients who suffer from neurohealth disorders, today announced a healthcare policy update from Aetna increases access for patients to the Company’s NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy.
Effective immediately, Aetna now allows transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment to be ordered and conducted under the supervision of behavioral health nurse practitioners for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Also included in the update is the removal of a four-month psychotherapy trial before a patient becomes eligible to receive an initial course of treatment with TMS.
“Aetna has joined the groundswell of payers that are alleviating access barriers for patients in need of mental health treatments,” stated Keith J. Sullivan, President, and CEO of Neuronetics Inc. “By opening access to care through nurse practitioners and reducing eligibility requirements, Aetna is recognizing the need to help people earlier in their treatment journey.”
Aetna is one of the largest health plans in the country with over 16.8 million lives covered through its commercial policies nationwide. This policy update builds on recent momentum from both commercial and government payers to expand coverage to TMS Therapy. Neuronetics previously announced updated policies through payers such as BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan, United HealthCare, and NGS Medicare. Neuronetics is the only TMS company in the industry with a dedicated health policy team that partners with both providers and payers to advocate for health policy changes.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious issue that affects 21 million adults in the United States, with 6.4 million people being underserved by antidepressant medication. NeuroStar TMS is a non-drug treatment that can help alleviate the burden of drug-resistant depression. For more information about NeuroStar TMS Therapy, please visit NeuroStar.com.
Neuronetics, Inc. believes that mental health is as important as physical health. As a global leader in neuroscience, Neuronetics is redefining patient and physician expectations with its NeuroStar Advanced Therapy for Mental Health. NeuroStar is a non-drug, noninvasive treatment that can improve the quality of life for people suffering from neurohealth conditions when traditional medication hasn’t helped. NeuroStar is FDA-cleared for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), as an adjunct for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and to decrease anxiety symptoms in adult patients with MDD that may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms (anxious depression). NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is the leading transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment for MDD in adults with over 5.4 million treatments delivered. NeuroStar is backed by the largest clinical data set of any TMS system for depression, including the world’s largest depression Outcomes Registry. Neuronetics is committed to transforming lives by offering an exceptional treatment that produces extraordinary results. For safety and prescribing information, www.neurostar.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new Aetna policy for TMS treatment?

Aetna now permits TMS treatment supervised by behavioral health nurse practitioners for patients with major depressive disorder, removing the prior four-month psychotherapy trial requirement.

How does NeuroStar TMS help patients?

NeuroStar TMS provides a non-drug, noninvasive treatment option for individuals with major depressive disorder, particularly aiding those who have not benefitted from traditional medications.

How many individuals suffer from major depressive disorder in the U.S.?

In the United States, 21 million adults are affected by major depressive disorder, with 6.4 million not responding well to antidepressants.

Who is Neuronetics?

Neuronetics, Inc. is a medical technology company specializing in innovative treatments for neurohealth disorders, particularly through its NeuroStar TMS system.

What is the FDA clearance status of NeuroStar?

NeuroStar is FDA-cleared for treating major depressive disorder and as an adjunct for obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxious depression symptoms.

Last updated: Jul 19, 2023