China approves AI-based movement disorder analysis software

NERVTEX, a Chinese digital therapy company for the treatment of brain diseases, has received approval from the China National Medical Products Administration for its AI-based motion disorder analysis software.

Called MoDAS (Motor Dysfunction Assessment Software), this software uses computer vision and deep learning as a medical device to analyze videos of patient movements taken with mobile phones. It then provides objective and quantitative information about the patient’s movement to support diagnosis and treatment.

The company mentioned that in a multicenter clinical trial of the device at Shanghai Changhai Hospital, MoDAS showed results that are “fully consistent” with doctors’ diagnoses.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT

Until now, most medical professionals diagnose and classify movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease through clinical observation.

But given Asia’s rapidly aging population, coupled with limited medical resources and the ineffectiveness of modern diagnostic and treatment methods, this traditional approach must now be abandoned, NERVTEX said.

“Movement disorders are probably one of the earliest neurological diseases to be discovered and studied in humans, but the methods and tools for assessing their symptoms have advanced little over the years, which somewhat limits progress in the assessment and treatment of diseases, as well as drug development,” said NERVTEX Marketing Director Dr. Zhou Dong.

Thus, the company developed MoDAS to make it easier for clinicians to monitor and evaluate movement disorders through the rendering and delivery of graphical data in real time. It also emphasizes that with video analysis software, clinicians no longer need to use physical devices that interfere with patient movement and influence clinical decision making.

MARKET REVIEW

In recent years, new technologies have been applied in the field of neurological medicine. For example, in Australia, researchers from RMIT University has developed an artificial intelligence algorithm based on a mobile application that analyzes changes in a person’s voice to detect Parkinson’s disease.

In the United Kingdom Researchers at King’s College London are testing video game-based software called Thymia to look for early signs of cognitive impairment.

Deep brain stimulation has also been used Abbott to treat an area of ​​the brain associated with Parkinson’s symptoms.

Meanwhile, US-based brain data startup Rune Labs recently received FDA approval. 510(k) permission to use the StrivePD app to monitor Parkinson’s symptoms using Apple Watch.