gaitQ and machineMD secure million dollar research grant to monitor Parkinson’s development in the UK and Switzerland
- 18-month research project will record digital biomarkers to better predict Parkinson’s Disease
- Jointly funded by InnovateUK and Innosuisse, the research will collect data from 100 people with Parkinson’s
- Research helps understand disease progression to enable earlier diagnosis
11th April 2024: Oxford-based medical technology start-up gaitQ® and Swiss medical device company machineMD today announce the joint award of a million dollar research grant from InnovateUK and Innosuisse to enable the collection and analysis of critical movement data from people with Parkinson’s (PwP).
The grant will fund an 18-month research project that will record movement data from 100 UK and Swiss PwP as they go about their daily lives, to help more effectively monitor the development of the disease.
The data will be used to establish patterns of behaviour and provide clinicians with insight to deliver more effective treatment plans, ultimately helping earlier detection and treatment of the condition. The data will be collected and analysed at University of Exeter (UoE) and University Hospital Zurich (USZ).
This grant – announced on World Parkinson’s Day (11th April) – marks a significant moment for the 10 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s; a number that is expected to double by 2030. Parkinson’s is a complex movement condition with significant variation in disease progression across individuals. By mapping these biomarkers in movement, gaitQ and machineMD hope to identify critical moments in the development of Parkinson’s and unlock insight into better treatment.
Dr Tristan Collins, CEO at gaitQ®, comments: “Typically, Parkinson’s can develop at a different pace in different individuals and therefore the impact varies hugely. This research identifies key moments when the condition progresses and aims to understand more about what causes this and why. This can help clinicians and specialist physiotherapists create more relevant and personalised treatment plans, ultimately helping PwP manage their condition more independently and effectively.”
Dr Ana Coito, Neuroscientist at machineMD, explains: “People with Parkinson’s may remain asymptomatic from motor symptoms until 50-60% of the dopaminergic neurons have been lost and treatment is only initiated in the late disease phase. Early and accurate diagnosis as well as accurate disease progression monitoring, are still important challenges. Abnormal oculo-motor function has been reported in 75-87.5% of Parkinson’s patients. Through this research grant, we aim to identify valuable digital biomarkers, which may aid more accurate disease monitoring – opening new possibilities for timely treatment and personalized therapeutic strategies.”
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About gaitQ
gaitQ® is an innovative Oxford-based medical technology start-up, developing clinically-validated mobility solutions to help people walk more, walk better and improve their quality of life. Its discreet wearable, gaitQ tempo™, is a small, non-invasive vibrational cueing system worn on both legs, to help people with Parkinson’s maintain a more fluid and stable gait. Cueing is clinically proven to help reduce freezing of gait (FoG) and lower the risk of falls. www.gaitQ.com
About machineMD
machineMD is a medical device company, headquartered in Switzerland, that develops innovative solutions to radically improve the measurement of brain function. The company combines Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence to empower neurologists and ophthalmologists with reliable measurement data. www.machineMD.com
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