machineMD and gaitQ awarded grant for Parkinson’s research in the UK and Switzerland

Bernese medtech machineMD and Oxford-based gaitQ have jointly received a million-dollar research grant from InnovateUK and Innosuisse, aimed at enhancing the monitoring and early detection of Parkinson’s disease.

machineMD, known for its innovative approach in neuro-ophthalmology, and gaitQ, specializing in mobility solutions, will collaborate to collect and analyze mobility and eye movement data. This data will help establish behavioral patterns and provide clinicians with insights to develop more effective treatment plans, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved patient management.

The research will be conducted at the University of Exeter and University Hospital Zurich, focusing on tracking the progression of Parkinson’s disease—a condition affecting over 10 million people globally, with numbers expected to double by 2030. “This research identifies key moments when the condition progresses and aims to understand more about what causes this and why,” said Dr. Tristan Collins, CEO at gaitQ. “This can help clinicians and specialist physiotherapists create more relevant and personalized treatment plans.”

Dr. Ana Coito, Neuroscientist at machineMD, highlighted the critical nature of early and accurate diagnosis. “People with Parkinson’s may remain asymptomatic from motor symptoms until 50-60% of the dopaminergic neurons have been lost,” she explained. The project aims to use abnormal oculo-motor functions, prevalent in 75-87.5% of Parkinson’s patients, to identify valuable digital biomarkers for more accurate disease monitoring.

This collaborative project between machineMD and gaitQ represents a major step forward in the fight against Parkinson’s disease, combining expertise from both companies to unlock new insights into better treatment and patient care.

A strong support ecosystem for medtech companies

Building on its series of successes, machineMD has consistently demonstrated its potential and innovative capabilities within the Bernese start-up ecosystem. The support from entities like the Sitem Startup Club has been instrumental in machineMD’s growth, providing not just a physical space but a community rich in resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This nurturing environment has enabled machineMD to thrive, culminating in its advancement to the second phase of the DayOne Health 4.0 Accelerator and securing significant funding rounds.

These accomplishments reflect not only machineMD’s commitment to advancing medical technology but also the strength of the support system that Bern offers to startups aiming to make a global impact in healthcare.