Therapeutic Systems

The idea of starting Therapeutic Systems was born during the fall of 2006 as Brian Mullen, then a doctoral candidate at UMass Amherst, struggled to find funding for his research around designing a sensory integration device for children with autism. His own research, as well as the research of his academic advisor, was inspired by the daughter of a UMass faculty member who benefited greatly from deep pressure stimulation but felt the modes of application lagged well behind the capabilities of modern technology. Brian knew there had to be better ways of applying deep pressure therapy than the antiquated weighted vests and blankets on the market; he set out to research the design of new and improved solutions.

After two years, however, the typical sources of academic research funding were coming up short. Brian didn't know if his trouble was caused by insufficient clinical evidence for the widely used but seldom studied sensory integration therapy, or if the fact that he was a mechanical engineer dabbling in an area typically dominated by psychologists was scaring federal grant graders. He did know that in order to develop, design, and ultimately distribute a better deep pressure application system, a new approach was needed. This approach was to form the private company of Therapeutic Systems, license the technology he developed as a student, and aggressively pursue a commercialization strategy. Brian wanted to see his research applied to the real world; getting the device to the people it could benefit as quickly as possible was the best way of accomplishing this goal.

Since those first days, Therapeutic Systems has had a singular focus on bringing the deep pressure system to market and into the hands of patients.  Seed funding from various competitions and small business grants enabled the young company to accomplish some major milestones along the commercialization path. With several proof-of-concept prototypes, extensive market research, a commercial manufacturing partner, and a pilot clinical study using the device with autistic children, Therapeutic Systems has already made significant strides toward its ultimate goal. Key committments to evidence-based practices, patient-centered design, intellectual property, and careful reimbursement pathway planning has allowed Therapeutic Systems to position itself for future product and commercial success.

Founder Brian Mullen with business partner Chris Leidel collecting the Grand Prize
at the 2008 UMASS Technology Innovation Challenge Business Plan Competition