Novartis Launches MS Research Study Using Smartphones

Novartis announced the launch of a mobile research study called Evaluation of Evidence from Smart Phone Sensors and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Participants with Multiple Sclerosis (elevateMS)-a mobile research study for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)-that collects data through the participants’ smartphone, eliminating the need for clinic visits. The study is designed to gather sensor-based data from physical tasks and symptoms.

The study aims to expand understanding of the daily challenges patients with MS can have and to uncover new potential capacities of treatment effectiveness through real-time data collection from participants in their everyday life. Researchers will use the participants’ data to understand what it is like to live with MS. 

The elevateMS study was developed in partnership with Sage Bionetworks and uses a mobile application that was built on the Apple ResearchKit platform. The platform allows participants to contribute from home or on the go, and allow researchers to collect data in the participant’s everyday life. The mobile app was designed with input from patients, neurologists, and advocates. To download the app and enroll in the study, click here.