Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and Solid Ventures Partner on Solid Suit, an Assistive Device for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to be Developed by SRI International

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Dec 18, 2014, 10:28 ET

HACKENSACK, N.J., Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), announced today a collaboration with Solid Ventures (Solid) to engage SRI International in the research and development of the "Solid Suit," a soft, wearable assistive device for people with Duchenne.

From left to right: Stanley Nelson, MD, Center for DMD at UCLA; Thomas Sugar, PhD, Arizona State University Polytechnic School; Tom Egan, SRI International; Roy Kornbluh, SRI International; Laura Case, DPT, Duke University School of Medicine; Keith Van Houten; Annie Kennedy, PPMD; Matt Arnold, Solid Ventures; Lee Sweeney, PhD, University of Pennsylvania; Tina Duong, DPT, Children's National Medical Center; Annie Ganot; Ilan Ganot, Solid Ventures; Eytani Ganot; Andrey Zarur, PhD, Solid Ventures; Brenda Wong, MD, Comprehensive Neuromuscular Center, Cincinnati Children's; Rich Mahoney, SRI International; Gilad Hayeem, Solid Ventures; Elliott Rouse, PhD, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago; Joel Schneider, PhD, Solid Ventures

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 3,500 to 5,000 live male births. The loss of a key muscle protein called dystrophin causes muscle wasting and weakness, eventually leading to the loss of ambulation, difficulty breathing, and heart failure. Death typically occurs in the mid-to late 20s.

The Solid Suit idea evolved from pioneering SRI robotics technology originally designed to offset muscle fatigue and augment muscle strength. PPMD and Solid hope the Solid Suit will enable people with Duchenne to one day use a device in their day-to-day activities that assists with muscle function and may help muscle preservation. Research performed with Duchenne clinicians and volunteers from the patient community will guide SRI's prototype development activities, with the ultimate goal of ensuring widespread access to the technology. The partnership between PPMD and Solid took shape after a small and diverse group, comprised of the world's most renowned robotics engineers and Duchenne experts, convened to assess the feasibility and applicability of a Solid Suit to the Duchenne community.

PPMD's Founding President and CEO Pat Furlong is excited by the partnership and the exploration of this new technology. "Daily, we are in contact with families and patients at all stages of Duchenne progression. Their primary goal, second only to a cure, is to preserve muscle function so that daily tasks that most of us take for granted are not just easier, but doable. Solid CEO and founder Ilan Ganot and his team have quickly become trailblazers in the Duchenne space, analyzing the landscape and figuring out where to spend resources for the best result. At PPMD, we have taken a similar approach over the last 20 years, so combining forces to partner with SRI on the Solid Suit just makes sense. We are thrilled to partner with Solid and SRI. We are excited to explore the potential this may have to extend a child or young adult's physical abilities such as walking, brushing their teeth, controlling their joystick, or giving hugs."

For more information regarding the Solid Suit, read the FAQs. To learn more about other PPMD-funded projects, visit our website. For more information about Solid Ventures and their approach to treat and modify Duchenne, please visit the company website.

About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 3,500 to 5,000 live male births (about 20,000 new cases worldwide each year). Because the Duchenne gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects boys; however, it occurs across all races and cultures.

Duchenne results in progressive loss of strength and is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for dystrophin. Because dystrophin is absent, the muscle cells are easily damaged. The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs. Young men with Duchenne typically live into their late twenties.

Duchenne can be passed from parent to child, but approximately 35 percent of cases occur because of a random spontaneous mutation. In other words, it can affect anyone. Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure for Duchenne.

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs young men of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is the largest, most comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy—our mission is to end Duchenne.

We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of young men affected by Duchenne and in research that will benefit future generations. We advocate in Washington, DC, and have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. We demand optimal care, and we strengthen, unite and educate the global Duchenne community.

Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps boys with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until every young man has a treatment to end Duchenne. Go to www.ParentProjectMD.org for more information or to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne.

About Solid Ventures

Solid Ventures is a biotech company focused on identifying, partnering and accelerating treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. For more information, please visit the company website.

About SRI International

SRI International is a leader in research and development whose innovations have created new industries, extraordinary marketplace value and lasting benefits to society. SRI provides government and business with pioneering R&D and solutions in biosciences, chemistry and materials, computing, education, engineering, security and defense, sensing and devices, and more. SRI brings its innovations to the marketplace through technology licensing, spin-off ventures and new products. Learn more at www.sri.com.

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SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy