Novartis Canada Partners with Innodem Neurosciences in Multiple Sclerosis Research
Novartis has entered into a multi-year partnership agreement with Innodem Neurosciences to conduct a breakthrough clinical trial to help people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Novartis will fund a trial using Innodem’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, proprietary, eye tracking software technology, capable of capturing and analyzing Eye Movement Biomarkers (EMBs) and Gaze Mapping Biomarkers (GMBs) to assist in a clinician’s diagnosis and monitor disease progression.
Digital EMB and GMB tests are non-invasive and can be completed in minutes in the clinic’s waiting room or by the patient at home. Remote self-testing could contribute to alleviating wait times for appointments and ease pressures on the health system, as well as be an advantage for people living with MS residing in rural areas who may not have easy access to a neurologist.
Over the course of the clinical trial, people living with MS will test twice a month, and the data will be correlated to assist clinicians in detecting subtle changes indicative of disease progression and that may not show up using magnetic resonance imaging (MR).
“At Novartis, we are committed to helping solve Canada’s biggest health challenges, through innovative partnerships like the one we have with Innodem,” said Andrea Marazzi, Country Pharma Organization Head, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. “Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. We joined forces with Innodem because we believe their eye movement tracking technology can help more rapidly identify disease progression and, in turn, improve management of MS. We are looking forward to seeing the results of the clinical trial and confirming the significance of this technology, granting more people living with MS and physicians access to this innovative software.”
“Current eye tracking infrared technology is costly and not easily accessible, particularly in remote communities,” said Dr. Étienne de Villers-Sidani, Cognitive Neurologist, Main Founder and CEO, Innodem. “By partnering with Novartis on this study we’re confident we can demonstrate the technology is efficient, accessible and scalable to people living with MS in Canada and across the world.”