PathMaker Neurosystems Receives $2.16M Grant for ALS Clinical Trial
PathMaker Neurosystems has secured a $2.16 million grant from the US Department of Defense to conduct a clinical trial utilizing its MyoRegulator device for treating ALS. The trial is scheduled to commence later this year at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, with the aim of evaluating the device's effectiveness in suppressing motor neuron hyperexcitability through non-invasive neuromodulation. MyoRegulator functions by placing pads on the skin at spinal and peripheral sites to modulate spinal circuits. This milestone constitutes PathMaker's second clinical trial for ALS, following prior studies in post-stroke spasticity and an early feasibility study for ALS supported by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. CEO Nader Yaghoubi expressed enthusiasm for the DoD's endorsement and the potential of the upcoming trial to enhance the evidence base for non-invasive ALS treatment.
Key Takeaways
- PathMaker Neurosystems receives $2.16 million grant from US DoD for ALS clinical trial.
- MyoRegulator device aims to suppress motor neuron hyperexcitability via skin pads.
- Trial to begin at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
- PathMaker previously tested MyoRegulator in post-stroke spasticity and early ALS feasibility studies.
- GlobalData predicts 80,483 ALS cases in major markets by 2029.
Analysis
The grant to PathMaker Neurosystems for ALS treatment trials using MyoRegulator could have a significant impact on ALS research and patient care. This funding advocates for non-invasive neuromodulation, a promising approach in neurological treatments. In the short term, the trial results may validate MyoRegulator's efficacy, influencing future healthcare policies and investments. On a long-term scale, successful trials could revolutionize ALS treatment, reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes globally. This development also positions PathMaker as a leader in neuromodulation technology, potentially attracting further investment and partnerships in the biotech sector.
Did You Know?
- MyoRegulator Device: A non-invasive neuromodulation device developed by PathMaker Neurosystems, designed to treat neurological disorders by placing pads on the skin at specific spinal and peripheral sites. The device modulates spinal circuits to suppress motor neuron hyperexcitability, a condition often associated with diseases like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
- Motor Neuron Hyperexcitability: A pathological state where motor neurons exhibit excessive electrical activity, leading to muscle twitching, cramps, and spasms. This condition is a hallmark of ALS and can exacerbate the progression of the disease by further damaging motor neurons.
- Non-invasive Neuromodulation: A therapeutic approach that alters nerve activity through targeted delivery of a stimulus, such as electrical or magnetic impulses, to specific neurological sites in the body without the need for surgical intervention. This method is used to treat various neurological disorders by modulating neural circuits involved in the pathology.