[FG] Kappos Ludwig
Projects & Collaborations

dreaMS Validation Study 1
Research Project | 1 Project Members
Background of the Clinical Trial
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, characterized by a wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms. Clinical assessments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and laboratory analyses form the basis of diagnosis and treatment decisions. However, traditional tools such as the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) have significant limitations. These include variability between examiners, insensitivity to subtle changes, and limited utility in tailoring individualized treatment strategies.
Digital biomarkers represent a promising new approach. Collected via smartphones, they include passive data (e.g., step count, sleep duration) and active performance-based measures (e.g., tests of walking, dexterity, or cognition). Because they are gathered frequently and in the patient’s natural environment, digital biomarkers can offer more granular, objective, and ecologically valid insights into disease progression.
To harness this potential, the Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), in collaboration with the digital health company Indivi, developed dreaMS - a smartphone app specifically designed for people with MS (PwMS). The app includes a range of interactive “challenges” that assess functions commonly affected by MS, such as mobility, dexterity, vision, and cognition.
We are currently conducting three clinical studies to validate the dreaMS app: Validation Study 1 (VS1, see below), Validation Study 2 and Clinnova Study.
Study Objectives
The primary aim of the dreaMS Validation Study 1 (VS1) is to identify and validate digital biomarkers that accurately reflect neurological disability in PwMS. These digital measures have the potential to inform patient care, support clinical research, and guide regulatory decisions on MS therapies. Beyond validation, the study seeks to establish a collaborative platform for future studies and international research partnerships. Ultimately, this work aims to advance personalized MS monitoring and improve outcomes through novel digital health technologies.