Precise Measurement of Tremor with Voluntary Movements

ABSTRACT

Tremor is a common movement disorder that manifests as shaking caused by rhythmic muscle contractions. Although tremor is not a life-threatening condition per se, it can become disabling interfere with a patient’s ability to perform simple tasks, impacting quality of life. Physicians diagnose tremor based upon observations during a physical examination. By its nature, this assessment requires training and is subject to variability based on the physician performing it. In order to improve patient assessment, the Seeker is interested in a robust, objective method to collect tremor measurements for immediate and future analysis.

This Theoretical Challenge requires only a written proposal.

 

OVERVIEW

Although tremor is associated with several neurological disorders (e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease), it also occurs in isolation in conditions like Essential Tremor (ET). Tremor is classified into two main categories: rest tremor or action tremor which occurs with voluntary movement and is the type of tremor involved in ET. For the purposes of this Challenge, the Seeker is looking for a reliable and precise method to measure action tremor in the hands of patients when asked to perform a specific activity (e.g. holding arms outstretched, finger-to-nose test, reaching for an object).

This is a Theoretical Challenge that requires only a written proposal to be submitted. The Challenge award will be contingent upon theoretical evaluation of the proposal by the Seeker.

To receive an award, the Solvers will have to transfer their exclusive intellectual property (IP) rights to the Seeker. However, the Seeker will be willing to consider a licensing agreement for a partial award if exclusive IP cannot be transferred by the Solver.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on October 13, 2021. 

Late submissions will not be considered.

 

ABOUT THE SEEKER

Praxis Precision Medicines is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company translating genetic insights into the development of therapies for central nervous system disorders (CNS) characterized by neuronal imbalance. Praxis is applying insights from genetic epilepsies to broader neurological and psychiatric disorders, using our understanding of shared biological targets and circuits in the brain. Praxis has established a broad portfolio, including multiple disclosed programs across CNS disorders including depression, epilepsy, movement disorders and pain syndromes, with three clinical-stage product candidates. For more information, please visit https://praxismedicines.com/.

 

What is InnoCentive?

InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is an InnoCentive Theoretical IP Transfer Challenge?

An InnoCentive Theoretical Challenge builds upon an idea but is not yet a proof of concept. A solution to a Theoretical Challenge will solidify the Solver's concept with detailed descriptions, specifications and requirements necessary to bringing a good idea closer to becoming an actual product or service.

This Challenge is a Theoretical IP Transfer Challenge, meaning that Solvers must transfer all rights to the Intellectual Property (IP) for which they are awarded. Solvers that do not win retain the rights to their solution after the evaluation period is complete. The Seeker retains no rights to any IP not awarded.