MR-004 is an investigational prescription digital therapeutic that leverages a combination of sensors, software, and music based on Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS)
Biogen headquarters in Cambridge, MA. (Credit: Astrophobe/Wikipedia)
Biogen has teamed up with digital therapeutics company MedRhythms to develop and commercialise the latter’s investigational prescription digital therapeutic MR-004.
Under the terms of the license agreement, MedRhythms will receive an upfront payment of $3m, along with up to $117.5m in milestone payments, subject to achieving certain development and commercial milestones.
The digital therapeutic company is also eligible to receive tiered royalties in the high-single digits to low-teens, based on potential global sales of the product.
MR-004 is a pipeline candidate of MedRhythms, intended for the potential treatment of gait deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS).
The therapeutic works to improve gait and gait-related aspects of movement, potentially providing MS patients with improved independence related to mobility.
Biogen Digital Health head Martin Dubuc said: “As part of our aspiration in digital health, together with MedRhythms we aim to advance a new, innovative treatment option for people living with MS that may help address walking impairment, a common issue that impacts their overall quality of life.
“Pioneering in digital therapeutics exemplifies Biogen’s commitment to advance novel therapies that we hope will improve outcomes for people living with MS.”
The collaboration is said to combine MedRhythms’ digital expertise with Biogen’s global footprint in MS, to address significant unmet medical needs in MS patients.
MedRhythms is engaged in developing advanced prescription digital therapeutics across a wide range of indications in neurology.
The company leverages a technology platform that incorporates advancements in neuroscience and music to target improved walking and mobility.
Once approved, MR-004 is anticipated to become the first prescription digital therapeutic for gait deficit in MS, said the company.
MedRhythms is currently conducting two ongoing feasibility studies for MR-004 and is planning to begin a registrational trial soon, based on the results of the first study.
MedRhythms chief executive officer Brian Harris said: “At MedRhythms, we are committed to redefining what is possible for people living with neurologic diseases by building evidence-based products that meaningfully impact symptoms that have been underserved by traditional treatment modalities.
“We look forward to what our collaboration with Biogen, a global leader in MS, could mean for the patients we serve around the world.”