Vivani Subsidiary Cortigent to Present Orion System’s Advanced Brain Implant Technology in Poster Session at NANS 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Vivani (NASDAQ: VANI) subsidiary Cortigent will present an award-winning poster on Jan 23, 2026 at the North American Neuromodulation Society annual meeting describing the investigational Orion Visual Cortical Prosthesis System. The company says Orion completed a six-year Early Feasibility Study and is designed to elicit visual phosphenes via a 60-electrode cortical surface array paired to an implantable pulse generator with 60 outputs in a package about the size of three stacked dimes and a wireless wearable for real-time processing.

The poster highlights miniature, high-channel-count stimulation and real-time parameter control; it notes the electrode design derives from retinal implant experience with Argus II, which remained functional in retinal tissue for >17 years and was the only FDA-approved artificial vision device.

News Market Reaction

-2.65%

1 alert

-2.65% News Effect

On the day this news was published, VANI declined 2.65%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Early Feasibility Study duration: 6 years IPG outputs: 60 outputs Electrode array channels: 60 electrodes +5 more

8 metrics

Early Feasibility Study duration 6 years Orion cortical stimulation system Early Feasibility Study

IPG outputs 60 outputs Implantable pulse generator design for Orion system

Electrode array channels 60 electrodes Cortical surface array connected to Orion IPG

Retinal implant longevity More than 17 years Electrode array design safety and function in Argus II implant

NANS meeting date January 23, 2026 Scheduled Orion poster presentation at NANS annual meeting

Pre-news share price $1.51 Price before Cortigent Orion NANS 2026 poster announcement

52-week range $0.9054 – $1.92 Positioned 66.78% above low and 21.35% below high

Market capitalization $99,215,040 Market value prior to NANS 2026 news

Market Reality Check

Price: $1.48 Vol: Volume 1,666,470 is about...

high vol

$1.48 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,666,470 is about 6.2x the 268,885 share 20-day average. high

Technical Trading above the 200-day MA of $1.31 with price at $1.51 pre-news.

Peers on Argus

VANI was up 11.03% while peers were mixed: NRXP +2.73%, XFOR +2.46%, but IGMS -2...

VANI was up 11.03% while peers were mixed: NRXP +2.73%, XFOR +2.46%, but IGMS -2.31% and OSTX -1.96%, pointing to stock-specific interest around Cortigent’s Orion update.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Nov 13 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Nov 13	Earnings & update	Positive	-11.4%	Q3 results, NanoPortal progress, financings and NPM-139 development plans.
Oct 28	Equity offering close	Negative	+3.1%	Closing of registered direct and private share offerings at $1.62.
Oct 26	Offering pricing	Neutral	+0.0%	Pricing of common stock offering and concurrent private placement.
Oct 22	Conference appearance	Neutral	-0.6%	Announcement of CEO presentation at ThinkEquity Conference.
Oct 03	Spin-off delay	Negative	-8.5%	Temporary withdrawal of Cortigent spin-off record date amid government shutdown.

Pattern Detected

History shows mixed reactions: one positive operational update drew a double-digit decline, while an equity offering with insider participation saw gains, suggesting sentiment can diverge from headline tone.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Vivani has advanced both financing and pipeline milestones. In October 2025, it priced and closed equity offerings at $1.62 per share, raising about $15.7 million gross to fund research and clinical development. A planned Cortigent spin-off had its record date withdrawn on Oct 3, 2025. In Q3 2025, Vivani reported progress on its NanoPortal and NPM-139 programs and additional financing. Today’s Cortigent Orion poster fits into this broader neuromodulation and implant-focused strategy.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Cortigent’s Orion visual cortical prosthesis, featuring a 60-channel im...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Cortigent’s Orion visual cortical prosthesis, featuring a 60-channel implantable pulse generator and a cortical surface array designed to restore visual perception in blind individuals. The system’s design builds on an electrode array with more than 17 years of use in retinal tissue and visibility at NANS 2026 supports Vivani’s neuromodulation profile. Investors evaluating the story may focus on clinical timelines, regulatory path, funding capacity, and the status of the proposed Cortigent spin-off disclosed in prior filings.

Key Terms

neurostimulation, cortical stimulation, visual cortex, phosphenes, +4 more

8 terms

neurostimulation medical

"brain interface devices based on precision neurostimulation technology"

Neurostimulation is a medical technique that uses controlled electrical or magnetic pulses to change activity in nerves or the brain, similar to how a pacemaker helps regulate a heartbeat. It matters to investors because devices and therapies using this approach can create new revenue streams or risks depending on clinical results, regulatory approvals, insurance coverage and how widely doctors and patients accept the treatment.

cortical stimulation medical

"new Orion cortical stimulation system for visual perception"

Cortical stimulation is a medical technique that uses mild electrical or magnetic pulses to activate or adjust the activity of the brain’s outer layer (the cortex), altering how nerve cells communicate. Investors watch it because devices and therapies that rely on this technique can create new treatment markets or face regulatory and safety hurdles; success or failure in trials and approvals directly affects company value and future revenue potential.

visual cortex medical

"implanted on the surface of the brain involved in vision – the visual cortex"

The visual cortex is the part of the brain at the back of the head that interprets signals from the eyes, converting light patterns into recognized shapes, motion and color. For investors, it matters because treatments, devices or research that improve or damage visual-cortex function can determine clinical trial results, regulatory approval and commercial potential for vision- or brain-related products—think of it as the brain’s image-processing chip.

phosphenes medical

"electrical charges that elicit spots of light called phosphenes"

Phosphenes are brief flashes or spots of light a person sees without actual light entering the eye, often produced by mechanical pressure, electrical stimulation, or nerve activity—think of the stars you see when you rub your eyes. For investors, phosphenes matter because they can be a sign of how a medical device or therapy interacts with the visual system: their presence may indicate intended effect for sight-restoring technologies or signal side effects that affect safety, patient experience, regulatory review, and market acceptance.

implantable pulse generator technical

"The system uses an implantable pulse generator (IPG) design with 60 outputs"

An implantable pulse generator is a small, battery-powered medical device placed under the skin that sends controlled electrical pulses to nerves or tissues to treat chronic pain, movement disorders, or other conditions. Investors watch these devices because approvals, device longevity, battery or recharge technology, and surgical and replacement demand drive sales, recurring revenue, and clinical adoption — similar to how a reliable power source affects the usefulness of any electronic tool.

cortical surface array medical

"connected to a 60-electrode cortical surface array, and a wireless wearable system"

A cortical surface array is a flat patch of tiny electrodes placed directly on the outer layer of the brain to record or stimulate neural activity, similar to putting a sensitive microphone on a stage to pick up or send signals. Investors should care because these devices power clinical treatments and brain–computer interfaces, so their safety, regulatory approval, and clinical results can materially affect a company’s market value and growth potential.

neuromodulation medical

"North American Neuromodulation Society (“NANS”) annual meeting"

Neuromodulation is the use of devices or targeted treatments to change how nerves or brain circuits send signals, much like adjusting the volume or tuning on an audio system to alter what you hear. For investors, it matters because these therapies can treat chronic conditions (pain, movement disorders, depression) where existing medicines fall short, creating potential markets, regulatory milestones, and durable revenue streams if technologies prove safe and effective.

artificial vision device medical

"The Argus II is the only artificial vision device ever approved"

An artificial vision device is a medical system that uses cameras, sensors, implants or software to restore or enhance sight for people with severe vision loss by converting visual information into signals the brain or eye can interpret. Think of it as a camera plus a translator that helps the nervous system understand pictures again. For investors it matters because device performance, regulatory approval, reimbursement and manufacturing scale directly affect market size, revenue potential and clinical adoption.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Cortigent is a leading developer of brain interface devices based on precision neurostimulation technology 

The company’s new Orion cortical stimulation system for visual perception, designed to treat most common forms of blindness, successfully completed a six-year Early Feasibility Study

Cortigent is also developing a new medical device aimed at improving the recovery of arm and hand motion in patients suffering from paralysis due to stroke

ALAMEDA, Calif., Jan. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vivani Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: VANI) (“Vivani” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing miniature, ultra long-acting drug implants, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary Cortigent, Inc. (“Cortigent”) will present an award-winning poster detailing the technical aspects of its Orion^® Visual Cortical Prosthesis System that is under development to deliver meaningful visual perception to blind persons. The presentation will take place at the North American Neuromodulation Society (“NANS”) annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 23, 2026.

“The investigational Orion system features one of the smallest and highest-count micro-electrode neurostimulators evaluated in human clinical studies. The array is implanted on the surface of the brain involved in vision – the visual cortex – and the micro-electrodes deliver precisely controlled electrical charges that elicit spots of light called phosphenes corresponding to video input from a small camera worn by the blind person,” said Jerry Ok, engineering lead at Cortigent. “Miniature form factor, high-channel count stimulation, and precise real-time parameter control,” he noted, “can enable consistent visual perception that could eventually make Orion a useful navigational tool for people who are completely blind.”

The NANS poster provides insights into Orion’s design. The system uses an implantable pulse generator (IPG) design with 60 outputs in a package the size of about three stacked dimes connected to a 60-electrode cortical surface array, and a wireless wearable system for real-time data processing and communication. The electrode array design has proven safe and functional for more than 17 years after implantation in the delicate retinal tissue of the eye by the Argus^® II, the company’s previously marketed artificial vision device. The Argus II is the only artificial vision device ever approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“Our team is developing precision neurostimulation technology to address critical medical conditions that cannot be treated by drugs,” commented Cortigent CEO Jonathan Adams. “We look forward to contributing to the collective advancement of electrical brain implant technologies and interacting with world-leading researchers at the upcoming North American Neuromodulation Society annual meeting.”

About Cortigent, Inc.

Cortigent, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vivani, is developing brain implant devices to help patients recover critical body functions. Our patent-protected precision neurostimulation technology platform leverages neuroscience and proprietary microelectronics to create advanced medical devices. Our predecessor, Second Sight Medical Products, previously marketed Argus^® II, the first and only medical device to obtain FDA approval to treat a rare form of blindness. This innovative device has helped hundreds of profoundly blind patients to achieve meaningful visual perception. Cortigent’s next generation investigational system, the Orion^® cortical stimulation system, has been designed to treat blindness caused by common conditions including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Orion has an FDA Breakthrough Device designation, completed a 6-year Early Feasibility Study in 2025 with promising safety and efficacy results and is covered by an extensive intellectual property estate. Cortigent is also applying its core technology to improving recovery of arm and hand motion in patients with paralysis due to stroke. For more information and patient videos, please visit: www.cortigent.com.

About Vivani Medical, Inc.

Leveraging its proprietary NanoPortal™ platform, Vivani develops biopharmaceutical implants designed to deliver drug molecules steadily over extended periods of time with the goal of guaranteeing adherence and improving patient tolerance to their medication. Vivani is developing a portfolio of GLP-1 based implants for metabolic diseases including obesity and type-2 diabetes. These NanoPortal implants are designed to provide patients with the opportunity to realize the full potential benefit of their medication by avoiding the numerous challenges associated with the daily or weekly administration of orals and injectables, including tolerability issues and loss of efficacy. Medication non-adherence occurs when patients do not take their medication as prescribed. This affects an alarming number of patients, approximately 50%, including those taking daily pills. For more information, please visit: www.vivani.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “target,” “believe,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “would,” “positioned,” “future,” and other similar expressions that are used in this press release, including statements regarding Vivani’s business, products in development, including the therapeutic potential thereof, the planned development thereof, Vivani’s plans with respect to Cortigent and its technology, strategy, cash position and financial runway. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on Vivani’s current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Vivani’s control. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including, without limitation, risks that the spin-off will not be completed in a timely manner or at all; risks of failure to satisfy any conditions to the spin-off; risks of failure of the spin-off to qualify for non-recognition of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes; uncertainty of whether the anticipated benefits of the spin-off can be achieved; risks of unexpected costs or delays; and risks and uncertainties associated with the development and commercialization of products and product candidates that may impact or alter anticipated business plans, strategies and objectives. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, risks related to market conditions and the ability of Cortigent to complete its spin-off, Cortigent’s history of losses and its ability to access additional capital or otherwise fund its business and advance its product candidates and pre-clinical programs. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations in any forward-looking statement. There may be additional risks that the Company or Cortigent consider immaterial, or which are unknown. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2025, as updated by the Company’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statement made by Vivani in this press release is based only on information currently available to the Company and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of added information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Company Contact:
Donald Dwyer
Chief Business Officer
info@vivani.com
(415) 506-8462

Investor Relations Contact:
Jami Taylor
Investor Relations Advisor
investors@vivani.com
(415) 506-8462

Media Contact:
Sean Leous
ICR Healthcare
Sean.Leous@ICRHealthcare.com
(646) 866-4012

FAQ

What will Vivani (VANI) present about the Orion system at NANS on Jan 23, 2026?

Cortigent will present an award-winning poster detailing Orion's design, a 60-electrode cortical array, a 60-output implantable pulse generator, and its wearable real-time system.

Has Orion completed any clinical studies according to Vivani (VANI)?

Yes; Vivani says Orion successfully completed a six-year Early Feasibility Study.

What are the key technical specs of Orion mentioned by Vivani (VANI)?

The system uses a 60-electrode cortical surface array paired to an IPG with 60 outputs in a package about the size of three stacked dimes and a wireless wearable for real-time processing.

How does Orion relate to Argus II as described by Vivani (VANI)?

The poster notes the electrode array design draws on retinal implant experience; Argus II reportedly remained safe and functional in retinal tissue for more than 17 years and was the only FDA-approved artificial vision device.

Will the NANS poster on Jan 23, 2026 affect Vivani (VANI) regulatory status?

The announcement describes a scientific poster and study results; it does not state any new regulatory approvals or filings.