Moving Science Podcast: MS Innovation Challenge Special Edition

Hosted by Dr. Léorah Freeman, the episode highlights the inspiring work and collaboration between a start-up and academia, bringing together expertise in MS research, neuro-optometry, and optical engineering, to address some of the big unmet needs in MS care: progression independent of relapse (PIRA). Featuring Dr. Christy Sheehy (CEO of C. Light Technologies), Dr. Jacqueline Theis (neuro-optometrist and Chief Medical Officer), and Dr. Ari Green (Professor of Neurology at UCSF), the discussion highlights their project—a study on a novel quantitative oculomotor biomarker based on small retinal eye movements. This biomarker holds the promise of enabling earlier and more precise detection of PIRA. The conversation delves deeper into the value of investigating eye movements and other biomarkers, emphasizing their importance in tracking disease progression and advancing precise diagnostic tools. Listen now and be inspired by their journey—from starting with academic research to founding a successful startup and building larger collaborations. Together they have been working to design a solution for transformative advances in the MS field to help patients and their carers. Subscribe to our YouTube channel now: https://www.youtube.com/user/roche?su... Get in touch with us: https://www.roche.com/   / roche     / roche     / roche     / roche   Roche has been committed to improving lives since the company was founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland. Today, Roche creates innovative medicines and diagnostic tests that help millions of patients globally. Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and neuroscience. For more information and insights visit: https://www.roche.com/ Time Stamps 0:00 - 3:43: Introductions of the speakers and the main topic 3:44 - 10:27: Explanation of MS disease progression, its importance in tracking, and the role of eye movements in the process 10:28 - 15:40: Personal story of the founder, detailing the journey from academic research to starting a company 15:41 - 18:56: Methodology for measuring retinal eye movements using high-resolution video technology 18:57 - 23:21: Discussion on the Big Data & AI approach and insights into the entrepreneur’s role in leveraging these tools 23:22 - 26:10: Overview of the study funded by the MS Innovation Challenge 26:11 - 29:52: Importance of monitoring cognition and eye movements in MS 29:53 - 34:18: Future outlook on what could come next in research and application 34:19 - 38:19: Opportunities for using eye movement measurements in other medical conditions beyond MS 38:20 - 38:53: Closing remarks focusing on brain health and the concept of the eye as a window into the brain.