MedRhythms announces the launch of a clinical trial, in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), that will study MR-004, MedRhythms’ multiple sclerosis (MS) asset.

The trial was funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, aims to study the impacts of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on MS walking impairments. It expands on the research that is being conducted with MR-004 in a clinical trial with Cleveland Clinic that was announced in 2020.

The trial will be led at MGH by Co-Principal Investigators, Dr. Eric Klawiter and Dr. Ron Hirschberg, and will be a randomized crossover trial looking at the impacts of MR-004, a digital therapeutic that digitizes Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation, on functional outcomes such as gait speed as well as neuroimaging compared to standard of care, a media release from MedRhythms explains.

“Looking at the underlying functional connectivity via MRI will shed new light onto the understanding of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation and its applications for gait training in multiple sclerosis.”

— Dr. Eric Klawiter, Director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Unit at MGH

People with MS tend to have a walking impairment, such as decreased speed and quality of walking, but there are few solutions that improve these deficits. Improving walking speed and quality are important goals, as they are tied to independence and enhanced quality of life. Specifically, gait speed research has shown that every 0.01 m/s increase in walking speed corresponds to a 7% decrease in fall risk, the release continues.

“Previous studies have demonstrated the positive impacts of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on gait training in people with multiple sclerosis, and this study is an exciting advancement of these previous clinical trials.

“As a new treatment in healthcare, it is important that rigorous evidence be developed to support the intervention. We are excited to be advancing the science that supports Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation and digital therapeutics as we enter into this novel and important study.”

— Brian Harris, the CEO and co-founder of MedRhythms

[Source(s): MedRhythms, PR Newswire]


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