Sooma Announces Medical Technology Expert Andreas Hartlep as New CEO
Sooma Medical, a world-leading provider of effective brain stimulation treatments for psychiatric and neurological disorders, announces the appointment of Andreas Hartlep as the new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic appointment further strengthens Sooma’s strong position as the company continues to grow in Europe and expand its groundbreaking treatment solution into the North American market through its ongoing pivotal clinical trial.
Andreas Hartlep is an experienced medical technology executive. He has led and scaled several pioneering health tech companies, including Anvajo (accessible lab testing), Sensile Medical (patch pumps), Ababax.Health (digital neurostimulation therapies), and Cerbomed (tVNS treatment of epilepsy and depression).
Sooma’s co-founder, Tuomas Neuvonen, who has led Sooma as CEO since its founding, will transition to the role of CTO. In this position, Neuvonen will continue to focus on spearheading Sooma’s technology, ensuring top-notch product development and technological advancement during the rapid international expansion.
“I’m truly honored to be joining Sooma at such a pivotal stage in its journey. The global need for effective, easily accessible alternatives to traditional treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions like depression and chronic pain is more urgent than ever, and Sooma is leading the way. As a pioneer in at-home brain stimulation therapy, Sooma is redefining how depression and pain are treated around the world. I’m thrilled to collaborate with this exceptional team to expand our global reach and bring meaningful relief to patients who have long been underserved,” says Andreas Hartlep.
“At Sooma, our mission has always been to deliver accessible, effective treatments for people underserved by traditional therapies. What truly sets us apart is our ability to offer clinically proven care in the comfort of patients’ homes. I’m excited to welcome Andreas to the team as we accelerate our global impact and bring our treatment to even more people in need,” says Tuomas Neuvonen.
“We warmly welcome Andreas Hartlep to Sooma. As the global demand for alternative depression and pain treatments continues to rise, Sooma is entering a phase of rapid global expansion. With Andreas’s extensive international experience and leadership, Sooma is uniquely positioned to make the solution accessible to even more patients worldwide,” says Inka Mero, Chair of the Board.
Depression remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Traditional treatment methods, such as medication and psychotherapy, often present limitations, ranging from insufficient efficacy and unwanted side effects to restricted access caused by long waiting times and a shortage of specialized care.
Sooma’s brain stimulation therapy offers a non-pharmacological, accessible solution, particularly for individuals who have not responded to antidepressants or are unable to take medication. The treatment uses Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive technique that delivers a low-intensity electrical current to targeted areas of the brain to help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Sooma’s brain stimulation devices have become the most prescribed tDCS therapies worldwide, treating over 25,000 patients in more than 35 countries. Sooma treatment is available in over 150 specialized and primary healthcare facilities across the globe.
The company has earned strong industry recognition. In March, the FDA approved a pivotal clinical trial of Sooma’s device in the U.S. Notably, this clinical trial is one of the first FDA-approved brain stimulation studies for depression conducted entirely in home settings. Sooma’s device has already gained FDA Breakthrough Device Designation and was the first tDCS device manufacturer to secure EU MDR certification for medical devices.
About Sooma treatments
Sooma is leading the global fight against depression by offering a flexible and accessible treatment solution, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), through its portable neuromodulation device. tDCS uses a mild electrical current to stimulate the brain and alleviate depression symptoms without the need for pharmaceuticals. Sooma’s treatment targets the brain and relieves symptoms without causing systemic side effects commonly associated with antidepressant medications. Sooma’s prescription-only therapies can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other treatment types. It is also one of the few brain stimulation therapies that patients can safely administer at home.
Sooma’s brain stimulation device, worn as a cap, uses Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive technique that applies a mild electrical current to stimulate the brain and alleviate symptoms of depression. The treatment is safe and easy to use, without the serious or systemic side effects typically caused by antidepressants, and has no adverse medication interactions or risk of dependence.
Sooma’s depression treatment includes a portable neuromodulation device, a mobile app for patient-controlled treatment, and a digital platform for clinicians. This platform allows remote monitoring of treatment adherence and personalized adjustments, regardless of patient location. Clinicians can manage multiple patients simultaneously, offering an efficient and scalable solution for depression treatment and making brain stimulation more accessible.
About Sooma Medical
Founded in 2013, Sooma is a Finnish medical device company specializing in non-invasive brain stimulation devices for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Sooma works closely with leading medical experts to develop effective treatment solutions. Manufactured in Finland, Sooma’s devices adhere to strict ISO 13485 and MDSAP quality management standards. To date, more than 25,000 patients have found relief with these treatments. Sooma Depression Therapy is available in more than 35 countries worldwide. In September 2023, Sooma became the first tDCS device manufacturer to receive EU MDR certification for medical devices.
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