US Grants Patent to MedRhythms’ Proprietary Audio Engine Used in Walking Therapy Products

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent covering the intellectual rights to MedRhythms’ proprietary audio engine, a core component of the company’s rhythmic sound products designed to improve the walking ability of adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological disorders.

The new patent (US20190022351A1), “Enhancing Music for Repetitive Motion Activities,” covers the audio engine’s ability to both screen and augment songs, which is a crucial aspect of MedRhythms’ products designed to stimulate a patient’s motor system using auditory stimuli delivered through music.

This is the second patent protecting the intellectual property rights of the company’s digital therapeutics platform. The first (US20170296116A1), “Systems and Methods for Neurologic Rehabilitation,” was issued in December 2019.

According to MedRhythms, the issuance of both patents demonstrate that the intellectual rights of digital therapeutic platforms can and should be protected in a similar fashion as those of more traditional therapies.

Related to this intellectual property, the company is currently looking for opportunities for internal development and partnerships to further advance its product pipeline.

“Building a strong [intellectual property] portfolio is an integral part of our strategy to build a large, defensible and successful company that makes a big impact in the world,” Brian Harris, co-founder and CEO of MedRhythms, said in a press release.

“With the granting of this patent, MedRhythms is one step closer to scaling products that improve the lives and mobility of the millions of people around the world with neurologic injuries and diseases,” he added. 

The issuance of the new patent follows the announcement of the launch of a pivotal trial assessing the efficacy of one of the company’s digital products at improving the walking abilities of stroke survivors who developed chronic walking impairments.

It also follows the creation of scientific advisory boards to help steer the company’s clinical and research activities in the areas of MS, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.

More recently, MedRhythms announced it is planning to launch another pivotal trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MR-004, a product based on rhythmic auditory stimulation that is currently being developed as a form of walking therapy for those with MS. The trial, which is being supported by a grant from the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, will be conducted at the Cleveland Clinic.