Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Awards $70,000 Grant to Talem Technologies as Part of Robotics Initiative

HACKENSACK, N.J., July 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) announced today that it has awarded Talem Technologies a grant for over $70,000 to support a pilot study of their X-Ar exoskeletal arm technology. The grant announcement follows PPMD's launch this spring of their Robotics Initiative which explores devices in development that have the potential to assist people living with Duchenne.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 live male births. PPMD has been an early funder of several robotic programs that strive to improve the quality of life for people with Duchenne. Robotic technology is about building strength in a disease that robs people of the ability to perform everyday tasks that most of us take for granted.

The X-Ar exoskeletal arm builds upon its user's arm strength, empowering them to endure longer and perform better in various tasks. This tool's ground breaking design consists of a cuff that cradles one's arm, allowing a patented configuration of springs and tensioning hardware to provide the zero-gravity support necessary to reach farther and accomplish more. The X-Ar diminishes limitations and empowers users who need endurance, stability, and enhanced movement to live their lives to the best of their abilities.

PPMD's Founding President Pat Furlong is excited to support Talem Technologies pilot study, "PPMD has always supported innovation. We're excited because Blake Mathie and his team at Talem Technologies have developed a device we believe will spare muscle deterioration keeping people with Duchenne stronger for longer – a device that has the potential to assist everyone living with Duchenne."

Furlong continues, "PPMD's robust research pipeline will continue to focus on new and leading therapeutics that carry with them the potential to end Duchenne. But we need to simultaneously support innovative technology that will maintain muscle strength and ultimately independence. We believe that the X-Ar is an example of that kind of innovation."

Heading up the development of the X-Ar exoskeletal arm is Blake Mathie, CEO of Talem Technologies. Mathie is excited to receive support from PPMD: "Talem Technologies is applying current technology to help improve the quality of life of people with Duchenne. We are working with researchers and commercial groups around the world to better understand and meet their developing needs.  With the generous support of PPMD, we are collaborating with the community to help maintain strength, enable a full range of motion, and improve the present and future for kids and adults with Duchenne."

To learn more about PPMD's Robotics Initiative, including information about the X-Ar exoskeletal arm, visit PPMD's website.

About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately one in every 3,500-5,000 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 people 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 people 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 people with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until every person with Duchenne has a treatment. Go to www.ParentProjectMD.org for more information or to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne.

About Talem Technologies

Talem Technologies is a company built on overcoming challenges, defined by unparalleled achievements and empowered by unlimited opportunities. It's only natural that we'd put our roots down in Detroit – the birthplace of engineering innovation – a city whose people and goals mirror our own.

Our dream was set in motion by the X-Ar, an exoskeletal device that attaches to one's arm and works as a strength and control amplifier by providing dynamic support throughout a natural range of motion. The success of this achievement laid the entire foundation for a legacy of promise to our customers.

Each day, a talented team of thought leaders from industry, medicine, and academia dedicate themselves to the notion that the best solutions are elegant in their simplicity. They strive to find answers that are both lasting in function and quality, and designed to remain within reach of those who need them most.

The words "Empower the persistent to succeed" defines Talem Technologies' core philosophy and proudly positions the products we bring to market. These words drive us to keep moving toward the future and beyond. This is what we do. This is who we are.

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SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Related Links

http://www.parentprojectmd.org