Medicortex Finland Oyj

13/02/2026

Head Injuries in Sweden: Bridging the Diagnostic Gap

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of mortality and disability among Swedes under 50, representing a major public health challenge. The scale of this issue is vast, with over 30,000 adults treated annually and recent data revealing more than 33,000 pediatric cases. This burden is particularly pronounced in the youngest age groups, where infants under 18 months show the highest incidence rates, primarily due to falls.

The impact of TBI extends far beyond the initial accident. While 91% of sports-related injuries are classified as concussions, the challenge lies in early and accurate detection to prevent further harm. The danger becomes particularly acute when injuries are repetitive; this cumulative trauma can lead to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to increased impulsivity and violent behavior. In populations with a history of violence, TBI is up to six times more common than in the general public, often creating a devastating cycle of trauma and behavioral changes.

Despite the high volume of cases, many mild TBIs go undetected. While Scandinavian (SNC16) guidelines help clinicians decide when to use CT scans to rule out life-threatening hemorrhages, these scans typically cannot detect mild TBI or concussions. This leaves a critical diagnostic gap: returning to activity too soon after an undetected injury increases the risk of long-term consequences. At Medicortex, we are addressing this urgent need by developing a handheld diagnostic kit designed for fast and easy detection, ensuring that no brain injury goes unnoticed. Learn more about our work at: www.medicortex.fi

09/02/2026

The effect of repetitive head impacts on brain health

Repetitive head impacts (RHIs) are prevalent in contact sports like soccer where heading the ball is a common tactic. Even when individual impacts are sub-concussive and lack immediate symptoms, the cumulative damage can lead to a significant decline in brain health over time.

Research shows that players who experience RHIs, yet do not report any history of concussions or traumatic brain injuries, still perform worse on learning and memory tests and experience higher rates of executive dysfunction, anxiety, and depression.

Imaging studies further link RHIs to microstructural changes in the brain’s white matter, worsened neurovascular coupling, and an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions. Recent research also points to RHIs causing alterations in the grey–white matter interface of the cerebral cortex. In soccer players, this damage is typically concentrated behind the forehead, the most frequent site of impact.

Because soccer players often resist wearing traditional protective headgear, damage should be minimized through stricter regulation. This includes reducing the frequency of headers during practice and prohibiting the technique for children until they can be gradually introduced to it using lighter, low-impact balls.

Medicortex Finland is developing a rapid, point-of-injury test to detect traumatic brain injuries immediately following a head impact on the field. This allows for instant assessment during a game or practice, ensuring that players receive the necessary attention before further impacts occur. More information at www.medicortex.fi.

05/02/2026

The Link between Traumatic Brain Injury and Dementia

Studies have consistently shown a connection between traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in later years. Research highlights that older adults with a history of TBIs are 2-4 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) compared to those without such a history.

Pathological features typically observed in AD, such as increases in the accumulation of disease-related proteins, have been found in the post-mortem brains of TBI patients. In addition, one study found similar abnormalities in the structure of brain regions of individuals with mild TBI and those with AD. These structural changes have been linked to memory issues, learning difficulties, and impaired decision-making abilities.

Beyond the link to AD, repeated mild TBIs, frequently seen in contact sports like football, boxing, and hockey, might lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE can manifest through a mix of cognitive and behavioural symptoms such as memory loss, impaired judgment, aggression, and depression. Over time, these symptoms can progress into severe dementia, often surfacing decades after the initial trauma.

While the correlation is established, further research is essential to map the exact mechanisms of this relationship. Understanding how repeated brain injuries trigger long-term decline is key to developing future therapies. Medicortex is at the forefront of this effort, developing a diagnostic tool to identify TBI immediately after impact. By ensuring early and accurate detection, the accumulation of repetitive trauma can be prevented, thereby reducing the long-term risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as AD and CTE.

For more information, please visit: www.medicortex.fi

25/11/2025

Turun Sanomat published an article addressing the ongoing reverse takeover process between Medicortex and Nosium Ab.

Tavoitteena on päästä kaupallistamaan Medicortexin kehittämää pikadiagnostiikkaa.

24/11/2025

Medicortex published a press release regarding the signing of the SPA with Nosium Ab.

Medicortex Finland Oyj (“Medicortex”), together with its majority shareholders, has signed a binding SPA with Nosium Ab (publ) (“Nosium”), marking a significant step toward advancing the commercialization of Medicortex’s rapid diagnostic tests for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Under the ag...

13/11/2025

Early detection of concussions helps protect the brain

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when a sudden impact or jolt causes the brain to move inside the skull. You don’t need to lose consciousness to experience a concussion; in fact, many people never realize they’ve had one. That’s why it’s crucial to get evaluated after any significant head impact.

Common symptoms of a concussion include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, blurred vision, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in mood or memory.

To assess possible brain injury, doctors often perform neurological tests that measure memory, concentration, balance, and reaction time. Only a healthcare professional can carry out these evaluations and make a diagnosis. In some cases, additional tests such as brain scans or biomarker analyses are also needed to confirm the injury.

At Medicortex Finland, we’re developing a rapid, portable, and non-invasive test that can detect concussion biomarkers right after a head impact; a tool designed to be used by anyone, anywhere. Our goal is to make concussion detection faster, easier, and accessible.

For more information, please visit: www.medicortex.fi

04/11/2025

Genetic Damage Discovered in Brain Cells of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Patients

Repeated head impacts in contact sports such as American football, ice hockey, and boxing have long been associated with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by changes in mood, memory, behavior, and cognition.

A recent study published in Science¹ has now shown that neurons from individuals with CTE exhibit significant genomic damage, similar to that observed in Alzheimer’s disease. This finding highlights a newly discovered molecular similarity between the two conditions, in addition to the well-known accumulation of tau protein in the brain.

The risk of developing CTE increases with each additional year of exposure to repetitive head impacts, and evidence suggests that both genetic damage and tau buildup may begin years before symptoms appear. Unfortunately, CTE can still only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem; there is currently no blood test or imaging tool capable of detecting the disease in living patients. However, growing evidence shows that cellular and molecular changes occur long before clinical symptoms, underscoring the urgent need for rapid, point-of-injury diagnostics.

Medicortex Finland (www.medicortex.fi) is addressing this challenge by developing a portable, non-invasive diagnostic test capable of detecting concussion biomarkers immediately after a head impact whether on the playing field, in the boxing ring, or on the battlefield. Early detection offers the potential to prevent cumulative brain damage and reduce the risk of long-term neurodegeneration.

Reference

1 D**g et al., Diverse somatic genomic alterations in single neurons in chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Science, 30 October 2025 Vol 390, Issue 6772

16/10/2025

Medicortex is pleased to announce the publication of our mini review article on glymphatic function after mild TBI. This is an important merit supporting the company's initiative to expand its research areas of interest.

Since the discovery of the glymphatic system in 2012, research on this brain-wide fluid exchange pathway has focused on understanding its role in different n...

13/10/2025

Blast-related traumatic brain injuries on the battlefield

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of morbidity among military personnel. Unlike civilian cases, battlefield TBIs often result from blast exposures. In addition, military personnel face a higher risk of penetrating brain injuries.

While penetrating TBIs are usually identified and treated immediately, mild TBIs (mTBI)—also known as concussions—are frequently overlooked, especially when other serious injuries are present. Early detection of mTBI is essential for effective treatment and better long-term outcomes.

Currently, there are no reliable tools to diagnose mTBI in combat settings. As a result, many soldiers with blast-related mTBIs—sometimes sustained years earlier—remain undiagnosed, with symptoms that persist or worsen over time.

When mTBI goes unnoticed, injured service members may return to duty too soon. This can impair performance and judgment, increasing the risk to themselves and others. Tasks such as driving or handling weapons may be affected, and the chance of sustaining additional TBIs also rises. To reduce these risks, any service member exposed to a blast, fall, or vehicle crash should be evaluated for brain injury, even in the absence of visible head trauma.

Medicortex Finland Plc is developing a rapid point-of-care test to detect mTBI. Designed for use on the battlefield, the test aims to quickly assess whether a soldier is fit to return to duty. Learn more at www.medicortex.fi

08/10/2025

Never Shake Your Baby!

When a baby won’t stop crying, a frustrated parent or caregiver might shake the baby—an action that can be extremely dangerous. Violent shaking can cause shaken baby syndrome (SBS), a serious traumatic brain injury that damages brain cells and cuts off oxygen. SBS is the leading cause of child abuse deaths, with up to 1,400 cases reported annually in the U.S.

Because babies have weak neck muscles and relatively large heads, they cannot yet support their head on their own. When shaken violently, their brains move back and forth inside the skull, causing bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Babies that survive this brain damage may develop neurological complications such as blindness, epilepsy, or developmental delays.

SBS is entirely preventable. Parents under stress should seek help from family, friends, or healthcare providers. Raising awareness and understanding risk factors—such as stress, alcohol use, or a history of abuse—can save lives.

Medicortex Finland Plc is developing a rapid, easy-to-use, diagnostic test for detecting traumatic brain injuries. For more information, please visit www.medicortex.fi.

(This is not intended as medical advice)

19/09/2025

שנה טובה !!!

18/09/2025

Partner Violence Can Cause Traumatic Brain Injury

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to violence that happens within a relationship. IPV affects approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men, with women more often sustaining serious injuries. Many victims of IPV suffer from blunt force trauma to their face, which can lead to mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

IPV is an underrecognized public health problem with an economic burden of $3.6 trillion in the USA. It is estimated that 75 % of female IPV survivors may have unrecognized and undiagnosed TBI. Symptoms of IPV-related TBI include memory loss, hearing and vision disturbances, concentration difficulties, and psychiatric problems.

Only about 20 % of women, who report an IPV-related head injury, receive TBI screening or medical care. When left untreated, these head injuries may lead to chronic health problems. Receiving the right treatment on time, increases the chance of recovery and survival from IPV-related injuries. Thus, it is important to raise awareness of IPV and TBI, help victims to navigate local health services, and increase the availability of screening and other diagnostic methods for TBI.

Medicortex Finland Plc is developing a rapid diagnostic test for TBI that can be used at the point-of-care or for self-testing. The test can be done in settings such as shelters or emergency clinics. For more information, please visit www.medicortex.fi