Introduction Of Synex

In the ever-evolving landscape of medical technology, few stories are as compelling as that of Ben Nashman, the founder of Synex Medical. His vision of portable, non-invasive glucose testing is not only pioneering but also rooted in years of dedication and passion for MRI technology. However, Nashman’s journey toward revolutionizing the healthcare industry took an unusual turn in 2019, when a late-night border detainment foreshadowed the bold challenges he would face as an innovator.

The 80-Pound Magnet and a Night at the Border

At just 18 years old, Nashman was already deeply engrossed in building his own MRI. Transporting materials from Buffalo to Toronto for his project, he didn’t anticipate the confusion that awaited him at the U.S. border. U.S. customs officials were particularly concerned by a package labeled “nuclear magnetic resonance,” a term that raised alarms despite Nashman’s explanations. He spent hours in a bright waiting room, detained for attempting to carry an 80-pound magnet across the border.

Eventually, the young scientist convinced customs officials that he was, in fact, a high school student passionate about MRI technology. With his magnet back in hand, Nashman made it to Toronto in the early hours of the morning, attending classes on just a few hours of sleep. This night of adversity was a small price to pay for his broader vision—a journey that has now placed him at the forefront of medical innovation.

Synex Medical: Building the Future of Glucose Monitoring

Fast forward to today, Nashman’s company, Synex Medical, has just raised $21.8 million in a Series A funding round, bringing its total funding to over $36 million. Backed by prominent investors such as Accomplice, Khosla Ventures, and Sam Altman, Synex is focused on creating a portable MRI system capable of monitoring glucose and other vital molecules non-invasively. This technology could be a game-changer for people with chronic conditions like diabetes, offering an alternative to the painful and repetitive task of blood glucose testing.

Synex’s prototype is currently the size of a toaster, but Nashman envisions a device small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The process begins with an MRI scan of the finger, generating a 3D image to find the best area for testing. The device then uses magnetic resonance spectroscopy to send radio pulses that excite various molecules, including glucose. It filters out the relevant signals, making glucose tracking possible without drawing blood.

The Promise of Non-Invasive Glucose Testing

For individuals like Diane Morency, a Massachusetts resident with Type 2 diabetes, the development of this technology is a beacon of hope. “I’ve got holes in my fingers,” Morency explained, describing the toll that traditional glucose monitoring has taken on her. Synex’s technology, she believes, could eliminate the need for daily pricks, improving the quality of life for millions of people with diabetes.

Despite its promise, the development of non-invasive glucose monitoring is fraught with challenges. The technology must be both accurate and affordable, and Nashman is fully aware of the skepticism. “We believed that was going to be an absolute moonshot,” said Jun Jeon, an investor at Khosla Ventures. The obstacles extend beyond the technical challenges to include the need for FDA approval, the scalability of the device, and questions about making the technology accessible to the broader population.

Nashman’s Lifelong Obsession with Longevity and MRI Technology

Nashman’s fascination with longevity and MRI technology began early in his life. At 16, he walked into his veterinarian’s office with scientific research, urging the vet to put his dog on rapamycin, a drug touted by longevity enthusiasts for its potential anti-aging properties. Although the vet declined, Nashman’s passion for experimenting with health optimization never wavered. He later convinced his parents to take rapamycin and dabbled in taking the diabetes drug acarbose himself.

Simultaneously, Nashman’s love for physics blossomed into an obsession with MRI technology. By 17, he had built a rudimentary MRI machine in his bedroom. By 18, he was interning at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital, working on brain imaging and enrolling in the University of Toronto’s engineering science program. His self-proclaimed record for the “most MRIs ever” includes scanning his finger thousands of times.

In 2019, Nashman met Sam Altman, who quickly became one of his earliest supporters. In 2021, he secured a prestigious Thiel Fellowship, joining the ranks of some of Silicon Valley’s most influential innovators.

The Road Ahead for Synex Medical

Despite Nashman’s progress and the support of tech luminaries, Synex Medical faces stiff competition. Companies like Know Labs and DiaMonTech are also developing non-invasive glucose monitors, and tech giants like Apple and Google have made similar efforts. Apple, for instance, is rumored to be working on a non-invasive glucose monitor, while Google paused its glucose-tracking contact lens project in 2018.

For Synex to succeed, it must navigate rigorous clinical trials and prove its technology’s accuracy to regulators. Additionally, Nashman must continue working on miniaturizing the device to a truly portable size, as larger devices could limit their practical use for patients on the go.

Even if Synex clears these hurdles, broader industry challenges remain. “There’s not a lot of good infrastructure and reimbursement that will allow for all patients to have access to the technology,” Jeon acknowledged. Achieving widespread adoption in the healthcare sector will require overcoming both technological and financial barriers.

A Vision for the Future

For Ben Nashman, the challenges are part of the journey. His passion for longevity, combined with his technical expertise, has brought him this far, and he believes Synex Medical’s portable MRI technology is essential for ushering in an era of predictive medicine. “I want to know exactly what my body needs. I want to know what my parents need,” Nashman said, emphasizing his belief in a future where medical technology can provide real-time, personalized health data.

While the road ahead is challenging, Nashman’s journey—from an 80-pound magnet at the border to the cutting edge of medical technology—proves that innovation often comes from the most unexpected places.

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