Despite Biogen’s efforts to expand into other neurological indications, the multiple sclerosis drug remains the backbone of its revenue. Drugmakers are returning to those MS roots, but from a different angle. Biogen is partnering with startup MedRhythms to build a developing digital therapeutics Addresses walking problems in patients with neuromuscular disorders.
MedRhythms’ approach is a music therapyThe Portland, Maine-based startup noted that research shows that music can tap into the motor centers of a patient’s brain. This integration with the body’s movement system improves walking ability and speed. MedRhythms technology uses sensors attached to the patient’s shoe to calculate stride length. The patient then walks and listens to music through headphones. Algorithms can adjust the music and its rhythm to increase the patient’s walking speed.
MedRhythms has been developing its technology to improve gait in a range of conditions including stroke, Parkinson’s disease and MS. The startup said it is currently conducting two feasibility studies for a digital therapy for MS called MR-004. Based on the results of the first study, the company said a clinical trial that could support applications seeking regulatory approval could begin soon.
MS continues to define Biogen’s drug portfolio. The company’s MS drug franchise generated more than $6 billion of the company’s $8.8 billion in 2021 revenue, according to its annual report. But sales of those products have been falling as they face competition from a growing number of generic drugs. The company’s efforts to diversify beyond MS include Spiraza, a spinal muscular atrophy drug that had $1.9 billion in sales last year.
However, Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm was a disappointment, with sales of just $3 million in 2021 and $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2022. The drug received accelerated FDA approval last June. On Tuesday Report In its financial results for the quarter, Biogen said it would wind down the commercialization of Aduhelm in a move The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says it will only provide the drug to those enrolled in clinical trials, a decision that severely limits the commercialization potential of the product. The company also announced that CEO Michel Vounatsos, the executive who led Biogen’s diversification beyond MS, will step down from the company but continue in his current role until a successor is named.
The collaboration between Biogen and MedRhythms, announced Thursday, requires the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based drugmaker to pay its new partner $3 million up front. MedRhythms could earn an additional $117.5 million if the digital therapy achieves development and commercialization milestones. The startup is also eligible to receive royalties from Biogen selling MS digital therapeutics commercialized from the alliance.
“As part of our ambition for digital health, we aim to work with MedRhythms to advance a new innovative treatment option for people with MS that may help address walking impairment, a common problem that affects their overall quality of life,” Martin Dubuc , Biogen’s head of digital health said in a prepared statement. “The pioneering digital therapy demonstrates Biogen’s commitment to advancing new treatments that we hope will improve outcomes for people with MS.”
Photo: ArisSu, Getty Images
