Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1032800
V O L . X X I V N O. X X I I I O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 8 14 ainebiz: Why focus on the neu- rological music therapy niche? Brian Harris and Owen McCarthy: While the field of neurologic music therapy may be small, the need for this care is not. ere is a large unmet need to help people recover across neurologic injury and disease populations, including Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease and autism. It has been shown that music can improve func- tional outcomes related to walking in these populations, of which there are over 5 million people suffering from walking problems in the U.S. alone. Our vision is to give all who would benefit from these improved outcomes the ability to do so. MB: How will you spend the $5 million you just raised? BH and OM: e capital raised will be used to expand our team, primar- ily in engineering, to take our product from a prototype stage to being com- mercially ready. We will continue the process with the FDA and build the infrastructure to continue to grow a large company in Maine. Hitting the high notes Music therapy for the digital age B y R e n e e C o R d e s Portland is an evolving city that is continually offering more opportunities. — Owen McCarthy / Brian Harris MedRhythms 183 Middle St., Portland Founded: 2015 What the company does: The digital therapeutics startup uses sensors, music and artificial intelligence to measure and improve walking for people with neurological injuries or diseases such as stroke, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson's disease. Contact: 781-629-9713 www.medrhythmstherapy.com C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 1 6 » Brian Harris is a certified neurologic music therapist, while Owen McCarthy studied biological engineering. They launched MedRhythms out of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, where they continue to work toward getting FDA approval for prescription products that blend technology, music therapy and neuroscience. They chose to provide joint answers to questions. Owen McCarthy and Brian Harris Owen McCarthy, president; Brian Harris, CEO MedRhythms, Portland P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Progressive • Creative • Forward Thinking • Resourceful Progressive • Creative • Forward Thinking • Resourceful BREWERMAINE.GOV/BIZ Contact D'arcy Main-Boyington Economic Development Director dmain-boyington@brewermaine.gov | 207-989-7500