Latest news with #SpringbokAnalytics
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Springbok Analytics Publishes Predictive Disease Progression Model for Muscular Dystrophy
AI-based digital twin modeling predicts patient-specific decline, addressing key trial design and biomarker challenges in FSHD CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - Springbok Analytics, a leader in AI-driven muscle analytics, today announced the publication in Scientific Reports of a new disease progression model for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Springbok's model employs a machine learning–based approach that predicts patient-specific muscle decline, functional outcomes, and fat infiltration using data derived from whole-body MRI. Click here to read the full paper. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a progressive, genetic neuromuscular disorder affecting approximately 1 in 7,500 individuals. It is driven by the aberrant expression of the DUX4 protein, which leads to skeletal muscle wasting and functional decline. Although conventional clinical endpoints, such as the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and reachable workspace (RWS), are commonly used to monitor disease progression, these measures often lack sensitivity in short-duration trials due to high variability and patient heterogeneity. The recent inability of RWS to differentiate outcomes in a Phase III FSHD trial further underscored these limitations. "Traditional functional metrics are simply not the best way to measure disease given the complexity and heterogeneity of FSHD," said Silvia Blemker, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder at Springbok Analytics. "What we've shown in this study is that muscle MRI, combined with advanced machine learning, can capture that complexity and make it actionable, supporting more sensitive, predictive, and patient-specific trial designs." Springbok's advanced modeling combines baseline imaging biomarkers with clinical and functional data to predict how an individual's disease will progress. The result is a patient-specific simulation, or "digital twin," capable of forecasting future declines in muscle structure and performance. This approach outperforms current methods that rely on pooled muscle group metrics or single-slice measurements, which can dilute signal and miss early changes. "FSHD doesn't follow a predictable pattern from person to person, and treating every patient as if they use the same muscles in the same way prevents therapeutic breakthroughs," said Scott Magargee, CEO and Co-Founder at Springbok Analytics. "Our team has built a model that learns from each person's muscle composition, clinical markers, and functional data to simulate how their disease may progress, establishing a foundation for digital twins and synthetic control arms that is exciting for not only the FSHD community but many other populations that could benefit from precision healthcare." Study Highlights: Personalized Prediction: The model accurately forecasted annual changes in fat fraction (a marker of muscle tissue replacement) and lean muscle volume using baseline MRI data. Functional Correlation: Model predictions aligned with changes in TUG time, a standard test of lower-body mobility, linking imaging biomarkers to meaningful, patient-relevant outcomes. Enhanced Sensitivity: The study revealed detailed spatial patterns of muscle degradation not visible in grouped or averaged analyses. "The model doesn't just predict what might happen," added Blemker. "It tells us why, where, and how fast it's happening for each individual. That's a powerful shift in how we approach trial design, and ultimately, how we understand muscle disease biology." Springbok's AI-powered platform, which received FDA 510(k) Clearance last year, rapidly analyzes dozens of individual muscles from a single MRI scan, quantifying volume, asymmetry, and fat infiltration. The technology is already integrated into multiple neuromuscular trials, including a first-in-human study of Epicrispr Biotechnologies' investigational therapy, EPI-321. As interest in MRI biomarkers grows across rare and neuromuscular disease trials, this publication establishes a framework for incorporating high-resolution, AI-powered models into trial design, patient stratification, and biomarker development. To explore how Springbok's platform can support your trial or development program, contact: [email protected]. About Springbok Analytics: Springbok Analytics is a leading muscle health analytics company dedicated to advancing health and performance outcomes through innovative, AI-driven solutions that deliver a clearer, more comprehensive view of muscle health. Built on more than 15 years of research and scientific validation, Springbok's FDA-cleared technology transforms MRI data into personalized, 3D visualizations of muscle health. These detailed analyses provide precise metrics, including individual muscle volume and composition, fat infiltration, asymmetries, scar tissue, edema, and tendon morphology. By offering a more accurate and complete understanding of musculoskeletal health, Springbok enhances diagnostic accuracy, treatment monitoring, research capabilities, and performance optimization.
Business Journals
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Charlottesville's Springbok Analytics signs New York Liberty as first WNBA client
A look at the imaging created by Springbok Athletics. Charlottesville's Springbok Analytics has added the New York Liberty to its growing pro sports clientele. It's the first WNBA franchise to sign with the startup. The addition comes after a full deployment with the inaugural Unrivaled basketball season, which ran from January to March. Springbok's Food and Drug Administration-approved imaging services, which use AI to turn 2D MRI scans into 3D interactive analyses, are used by teams across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Premier League and NCAA. The company's technology analyzes muscle and skeletal structures, providing detailed 3D visualizations and metrics, including muscle volume, composition and fat infiltration. Its technology was invented at the University of Virginia by a team of researchers including Dr. Silvia Blemker, a biomedical engineer at the university and a Springbok co-founder. Springbok Analytics is a former participant of NBA Launchpad participant, the league's initiative to pilot emerging technologies, and has worked with three leagues for various studies: the NBA on knee health, the NFL on hamstring injuries and Major League Baseball on pitcher health. Earlier this year, the company closed a $5 million Series A round that was led by Chicago's Transition Equity Partners and included participation from the NBA, Charlottesville's CAV Angels and Green Bay, Wisconsin's Titletown Tech, among many others. Transition, CAV Angels and Titletown also participated in the company's $3 million seed round in 2023.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Epicrispr Biotechnologies Partners with Springbok Analytics to Integrate AI Muscle Analysis in First-in-Human FSHD Study
- Advanced MRI analytics to enhance early signal detection and inform development of first-in-class epigenetic therapy SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Epicrispr Biotechnologies, a biotechnology company focused on developing curative therapies, today announced a partnership with Springbok Analytics to incorporate advanced, AI-driven muscle MRI imaging and analysis into its first-in-human clinical trial of EPI-321, a potential first-in-class treatment for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The exploratory first-in-human global trial, recently cleared to begin in the United States and New Zealand, with additional regulatory approvals pending in other countries, is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and biological activity of a single intravenous dose of EPI-321 in adults with FSHD. Through this collaboration, Springbok's advanced MRI-based muscle analytics will be integrated into the study to detect early, objective insights of muscle-level changes and generate high-resolution data. "High-quality, objective data is essential in early clinical development, especially when advancing a first-in-class therapeutic," said Amber Salzman, Ph.D., CEO, Epicrispr Biotechnologies. "Springbok's automated muscle analysis gives us a detailed view of how EPI-321 may be impacting muscle tissue, strengthening our ability to assess early signals and shape future development." Springbok's proprietary technology uses proprietary AI to segment and quantify dozens of individual muscles from MRI scans, analyzing key biomarkers such as muscle volume, fat infiltration, and inflammation. These high-resolution analytics allow for rapid interpretation of complex imaging data to deliver actionable insights within hours and supporting data-driven clinical decisions from the earliest stages of development. While MRI is an exploratory biomarker in this first-in-human trial, and not a primary study endpoint, the ability to detect subtle, muscle-level changes may be critical in shaping the design of future studies. In conditions like FSHD, where conventional functional endpoints may take longer to reflect therapeutic effect, quantitative muscle imaging offers an accelerated path to understanding biological response. "Quantitative imaging has the potential to dramatically capture more information in early-stage trials in neuromuscular disease," said Scott Magargee, CEO and Co-Founder, Springbok Analytics. "We're proud to support Epicrispr as it pioneers a new therapeutic modality for FSHD and advances the role of imaging biomarkers in clinical development." Springbok's Contributions to the EPI-321 Study Include: Streamlined Imaging Protocols: Enabling whole-body MRI to assess muscle volume and fat infiltration in under 45 minutes. High-Resolution Analytics: Automated segmentation and quantification of muscle volume, fat content, and inflammation across dozens of muscle groups. Scalability & Support: A robust quality management system and turnkey onboarding processes to support rapid deployment across global study locations. Epicrispr is advancing EPI-321 with support from a $68 million Series B financing led by Ally Bridge Group and SOLVE FSHD. EPI-321 is the first clinical application of epigenetic gene modulation in neuromuscular disease, and data generated through this study will help define imaging biomarkers for later-phase trials and support regulatory engagement. About Epicrispr Biotechnologies Epicrispr Biotechnologies is a biotechnology company pioneering gene-modulating therapies, leading with treatments for neuromuscular diseases. The company's proprietary Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) enables precise, durable control of gene expression, unlocking first-in-class treatments for previously untreatable conditions. Epicrispr's lead program, EPI-321 is in clinical trials for FSHD, and the company is advancing additional gene-modulating therapies. Epicrispr also has a research collaboration with Kite Pharma to develop next-generation CAR T-cell therapies. Learn more at or follow us on LinkedIn. About Springbok Analytics Springbok Analytics is a leading muscle health analytics company dedicated to advancing health and performance outcomes through innovative, AI-driven solutions that deliver a clearer, more comprehensive view of muscle health. Built on more than 15 years of research and scientific validation, Springbok's FDA-cleared technology transforms MRI data into personalized, 3D visualizations of muscle health. These detailed analyses provide precise metrics, including individual muscle volume and composition, fat infiltration, asymmetries, scar tissue, edema, and tendon morphology. By offering a more accurate and complete understanding of musculoskeletal health, Springbok enhances diagnostic accuracy, treatment monitoring, research capabilities, and performance optimization. View source version on Contacts Investor ContactBenson Media ContactKimberly HaKKH Springbok Media Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
23-04-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Epicrispr Biotechnologies Partners with Springbok Analytics to Integrate AI Muscle Analysis in First-in-Human FSHD Study
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Epicrispr Biotechnologies, a biotechnology company focused on developing curative therapies, today announced a partnership with Springbok Analytics to incorporate advanced, AI-driven muscle MRI imaging and analysis into its first-in-human clinical trial of EPI-321, a potential first-in-class treatment for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The exploratory first-in-human global trial, recently cleared to begin in the United States and New Zealand, with additional regulatory approvals pending in other countries, is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and biological activity of a single intravenous dose of EPI-321 in adults with FSHD. Through this collaboration, Springbok's advanced MRI-based muscle analytics will be integrated into the study to detect early, objective insights of muscle-level changes and generate high-resolution data. 'High-quality, objective data is essential in early clinical development, especially when advancing a first-in-class therapeutic,' said Amber Salzman, Ph.D., CEO, Epicrispr Biotechnologies. 'Springbok's automated muscle analysis gives us a detailed view of how EPI-321 may be impacting muscle tissue, strengthening our ability to assess early signals and shape future development.' Springbok's proprietary technology uses proprietary AI to segment and quantify dozens of individual muscles from MRI scans, analyzing key biomarkers such as muscle volume, fat infiltration, and inflammation. These high-resolution analytics allow for rapid interpretation of complex imaging data to deliver actionable insights within hours and supporting data-driven clinical decisions from the earliest stages of development. While MRI is an exploratory biomarker in this first-in-human trial, and not a primary study endpoint, the ability to detect subtle, muscle-level changes may be critical in shaping the design of future studies. In conditions like FSHD, where conventional functional endpoints may take longer to reflect therapeutic effect, quantitative muscle imaging offers an accelerated path to understanding biological response. 'Quantitative imaging has the potential to dramatically capture more information in early-stage trials in neuromuscular disease,' said Scott Magargee, CEO and Co-Founder, Springbok Analytics. 'We're proud to support Epicrispr as it pioneers a new therapeutic modality for FSHD and advances the role of imaging biomarkers in clinical development.' Springbok's Contributions to the EPI-321 Study Include: Streamlined Imaging Protocols: Enabling whole-body MRI to assess muscle volume and fat infiltration in under 45 minutes. High-Resolution Analytics: Automated segmentation and quantification of muscle volume, fat content, and inflammation across dozens of muscle groups. Scalability & Support: A robust quality management system and turnkey onboarding processes to support rapid deployment across global study locations. Epicrispr is advancing EPI-321 with support from a $68 million Series B financing led by Ally Bridge Group and SOLVE FSHD. EPI-321 is the first clinical application of epigenetic gene modulation in neuromuscular disease, and data generated through this study will help define imaging biomarkers for later-phase trials and support regulatory engagement. About Epicrispr Biotechnologies Epicrispr Biotechnologies is a biotechnology company pioneering gene-modulating therapies, leading with treatments for neuromuscular diseases. The company's proprietary Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) enables precise, durable control of gene expression, unlocking first-in-class treatments for previously untreatable conditions. Epicrispr's lead program, EPI-321 is in clinical trials for FSHD, and the company is advancing additional gene-modulating therapies. Epicrispr also has a research collaboration with Kite Pharma to develop next-generation CAR T-cell therapies. Learn more at or follow us on LinkedIn. About Springbok Analytics Springbok Analytics is a leading muscle health analytics company dedicated to advancing health and performance outcomes through innovative, AI-driven solutions that deliver a clearer, more comprehensive view of muscle health. Built on more than 15 years of research and scientific validation, Springbok's FDA-cleared technology transforms MRI data into personalized, 3D visualizations of muscle health. These detailed analyses provide precise metrics, including individual muscle volume and composition, fat infiltration, asymmetries, scar tissue, edema, and tendon morphology. By offering a more accurate and complete understanding of musculoskeletal health, Springbok enhances diagnostic accuracy, treatment monitoring, research capabilities, and performance optimization.
