Grant Will Be Used to Support Pilot Study for X-Ar Exoskeletal Arm Technology

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy 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. 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.