MedRhythms Co-Founders Brian Harris (left) and Owen McCarthy.

MedRhythms Inc., a digital therapeutics and medical-device startup in Portland, announced this week that it has secured a U.S. patent for its digital therapeutics platform.

The patent—US20170296116A1—is for “Systems and Methods for Neurologic Rehabilitation.” The company is developing digital therapeutics that use wearable sensors, software, and music to help people suffering from neurologic injuries or diseases to regain their mobility.

The patent covers MedRhythms’ proprietary digital therapeutics platform and “its ability to respond to biomechanical data using music by employing the principle of entrainment, the mechanism of action of MedRhythms’ products that drives walking improvements,” according to a news release. MedRhythms’ products are built upon neuroscience research into music and clinical research into the efficacy of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation, according to the release.

The company recently began clinical trails of its first product, called Stride, which is focused on helping those who have suffered from a stroke regain or improve their ability to walk, at five of the country’s top rehabilitation hospitals and research centers.

“This is a single patent in an IP portfolio that will set the foundation for us to strongly build innovative products that will impact the lives of millions,” said Brian Harris,  co-founder and CEO of MedRhythms.

The company said that the receipt of the patent demonstrates that the active technology behind a digital therapeutic tool may be protected in a manner similar to a traditional pharmaceutical. The company said it had several additional patent applications pending.

MedRhythms is working on additional opportunities to enhance its product pipeline.