# SensiTrak: Automated Assessment of Forelimb Sensation

> **NIH NIH R44** · VULINTUS, LLC · 2024 · $905,644

## Abstract

Project Abstract
Current common methods for measuring somatosensory function in preclinical rodent models
generally rely on withdrawal responses to uncomfortable or painful stimuli. These tests can be
stressful to the animal, while also yielding a high variability in measured responses, and
repetitive testing in longitudinal models may even result in chronic pain states. To better
understand the connection between physiology and perception of touch and proprioception,
researchers need a modern, off-the-shelf assessment system to administer and quantify trained,
volitional behaviors. Under this Phase II STTR project, Vulintus, Inc. will continue to develop and
validate ‘SensiTrak,’ an automated, high-throughput behavioral system designed to finely
measure somatosensory function in rodent models. SensiTrak meets the needs of
somatosensory-focused researchers by supporting complex, electromechanical feedback
interactions with animals, with interchangeable task modules, behavioral peripherals, and
open-source control software. Vulintus’ Phase II activities included finalization and certification
of a common controller and modules for assessing tactile, vibration, and proprioception
discrimination thresholds. Concurrently, SensiTrak systems will undergo beta testing at two
different laboratories at Columbia University and the Winifred Masterson Burke Medical
Research Institute. Beta testing will help establish the reliability and utility of SensiTrak
assessments and will guide the development of protocols for other laboratories to follow when
adopting SensiTrak in their research. At the conclusion of this Phase II, a fully developed
SensiTrak product line will provide researchers with unprecedented capabilities to reliably
measure tactile and proprioceptive function in early preclinical animal models, and will help to
improve the rate of successful translation of promising therapies from preclinical investigations
to clinical practice.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10854946
- **Project number:** 5R44NS120748-03
- **Recipient organization:** VULINTUS, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Camilo Andres Sanchez
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $905,644
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10854946

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10854946, SensiTrak: Automated Assessment of Forelimb Sensation (5R44NS120748-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10854946. Licensed CC0.

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