MedRhythms is planning to soon open a pilot clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of its MR-004, its investigational product that uses rhythmic sounds to improve walking abilities in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), the company announced.
MedRhythms is a digital therapeutics company exploring the use of sensors, software, and music to aid in walking rehabilitation.
More than 50 clinical research studies have reported improvements in movement based on the use of rhythmic auditory stimulation through music, the company reports. These studies were conducted in people with diseases or conditions affecting the brain, including MS, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and stroke.
Rhythmic auditory stimulation directly stimulates the brain to activate a mechanism known as “entrainment” — a neurologic process in which the brain’s auditory and motor regions are coupled, MedRhythms states on its website. Entrainment can enhance neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to strengthen pre-existing neural connections, allowing a person to acquire skills over time), and induce neuroplastic changes that produce improved motor outcomes.
Music, the company proposes, induces the neurological connections needed for the positive re-wiring of the brain.
MR-004 is the company’s pipeline product, based on rhythmic auditory stimulation, being developed for walking rehabilitation in MS.
“I’ve conducted many trials on interventions to improve walking in those living with MS, including the compelling impacts of rhythmic cueing in this population,” Francois Bethoux, MD, a paid advisory member to MedRhythms and who will lead the trial, said in the press release.
“I look forward to undertaking the role of principal investigator in this study, and to learn more about this investigational therapy and its potential impact on mobility and quality of life in patients with MS,” Bethoux added.
MedRhythms also announced the creation of Scientific Advisory Boards (SABs) to help direct the company’s clinical and research activities in the areas of MS and Parkinson’s disease.
“We are excited to advance the pipeline of products by adding these world-renowned researchers and clinicians to our MS and PD [Parkinson’s disease] Scientific Advisory Boards,” said Brian Harris, co-founder and CEO of MedRhythms.
Iqra holds a MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine from the
University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Canada. She also holds a BSc in Life
Sciences from Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. Currently, she
is completing a PhD in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology from
the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada. Her research has
ranged from across various disease areas including Alzheimer’s
disease, myelodysplastic syndrome, bleeding disorders and rare
pediatric brain tumors.
Patrícia holds her PhD in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases from the Leiden University Medical Center in Leiden, The Netherlands. She has studied Applied Biology at Universidade do Minho and was a postdoctoral research fellow at Instituto de Medicina Molecular in Lisbon, Portugal. Her work has been focused on molecular genetic traits of infectious agents such as viruses and parasites.
Iqra holds a MSc in Cellular and Molecular Medicine from the
University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Canada. She also holds a BSc in Life
Sciences from Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. Currently, she
is completing a PhD in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology from
the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada. Her research has
ranged from across various disease areas including Alzheimer’s
disease, myelodysplastic syndrome, bleeding disorders and rare
pediatric brain tumors.