The Japanese Patent Office has confirmed patentability for Paindrainer AB's artificial neural network-driven platform designed to support patient-centric chronic pain management, extending the company’s intellectual property coverage into Japan.
The patent covers a personalised pain-management platform that uses a patient’s own data combined with neural network analysis to generate tailored recommendations. The system is designed to adapt over time, adjusting guidance as behaviour, activity levels or symptoms change, with the aim of reducing pain and improving daily functioning and quality of life.
Further patent protection
The Japanese patent strengthens the foundation for pursuing further patent protection across additional medical indications, highlighting the broader applicability of its underlying technology beyond chronic pain alone.
Chief executive Erik Frick said the anticipated Japanese patent grant represents another step in the company’s international IP strategy.
"The successful grant of our patent in Japan marks yet another significant milestone in our journey towards revolutionizing pain management. With our patent granted both under EPO as well as in the US we are now further strengthening our international IP rights in another important market. Receiving further recognition for the cutting-edge technology we have built, and the value it creates, is very meaningful to us.”
Expanding coverage
The company worked with IP firm Potter Clarkson LLP on its intellectual property strategy and patent applications. Potter Clarkson partner Dave Clark said the Japan development expands coverage across key global markets and supports Paindrainer’s ambition to scale its digital health platform internationally.
“It is outstanding to see the geographical scope of Paindrainer’s patent protection continue to grow, with key markets of the US, Europe and now Japan successfully covered. With these granted patents secured, I am certain that Paindrainer will continue to go from strength to strength in supporting patients with chronic pain around the world.”
Paindrainer® mobile application
Paindrainer’s core product is its Paindrainer® mobile application, which the company describes as an evidence-based digital tool designed to improve quality of life for people living with chronic pain. The app is classified as a Class I software as a medical device and is 510(k) exempt in the US.
Founded in 2018 by Prof Carl Borrebaeck, Dr Maria Rosén Klement and Göran Barkfors, Paindrainer said the concept was developed after Rosén Klement’s experience in pain rehabilitation highlighted the complexity of chronic pain and the limitations of traditional approaches in addressing the many interacting factors involved.