Synapticure Launches Groundbreaking Ataxia Care Program, Expanding Access to Specialized Neurology Nationwide
Rhea-AI Summary
Synapticure has launched a nationwide virtual ataxia care program, offering adults living with ataxias access to movement-disorder–trained neurologists, genetic counseling, and longitudinal care through a virtual, multidisciplinary model. The program aims to shorten the often years-long journey to specialized neurological evaluation and ongoing management.
According to Synapticure, the company partnered with Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) to support disease education and awareness around this new resource, addressing gaps in access for the ataxia community. Biogen is not involved in developing, administering, or being responsible for Synapticure’s healthcare services or patient care. The program, led by Director of Movement Disorders Dr. Elizabeth Ferluga, offers virtual evaluations, at-home genetic testing where appropriate, coordinated workup for acquired causes of ataxias, evidence-based treatment discussions, education about clinical trials, therapy coordination, and behavioral health and caregiver support, while complementing patients’ existing care teams.
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News Market Reaction – BIIB
On the day this news was published, BIIB gained 5.92%, reflecting a notable positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +2.1% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 43 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $1.73B to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $30.95B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 14 | Real-world study data | Positive | -8.8% | Interim LEQEMBI LEADER real-world data showing most early Alzheimer’s patients remained stable or improved. |
| Jul 14 | Phase 2 trial data | Positive | -8.8% | Phase 2 CELIA trial of diranersen showing robust tau reduction and efficacy on several endpoints despite missing primary. |
| Jul 13 | FDA approval | Positive | -8.8% | FDA approval of LEQEMBI IQLIK subcutaneous autoinjector initiation dose for early Alzheimer’s disease in adults. |
| Jul 13 | Peer leadership change | Positive | +5.0% | Stoke Therapeutics appointing a new Chief Scientific Officer to lead its RNA medicines platform development. |
| Jul 12 | Clinical data update | Positive | +5.0% | LEQEMBI subcutaneous autoinjector data supporting similar efficacy and safety to IV formulation in early Alzheimer’s. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent Biogen news has produced sharp but mixed reactions, with several positive Alzheimer’s updates coinciding with negative moves and others aligning with supportive clinical or regulatory data.
Key Terms
neurodegenerative medical
movement disorders medical
genetic counseling medical
clinical trials medical
emg/ncs medical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Virtual-first, multidisciplinary care model delivers care for adults living with ataxias, connecting them to expert neurologist options nationwide.
With this expansion, Synapticure adds to its comprehensive virtual platform for neurodegenerative care in
"For people living with ataxias and their families, accessing expert neurological care is often a years-long struggle," said Sandra Abrevaya, CEO and Co-Founder of Synapticure. "Synapticure was built to change that dynamic — to expand access to specialized neurological expertise directly to patients where they live, and to make personalized, proactive care the standard rather than the exception. We are proud to now open our doors to the ataxia community."
Ataxias affect tens of thousands of people in
"Highly specialized ataxia care and expertise can be difficult to find locally, posing a significant challenge for individuals and families," said Kristen Fortino, Head of the
Synapticure's ataxia care program will be led by Dr. Elizabeth Ferluga, MD, Director of Movement Disorders at Synapticure, who brings deep clinical expertise in movement disorders and a longstanding commitment to rare neurological conditions. Dr. Ferluga and the Synapticure clinical team can provide patients with access to specialized evaluations, genetic counseling, and comprehensive longitudinal care — all delivered virtually by Synapticure's independent healthcare providers.
"Patients with ataxias are a community that has been underserved by the traditional healthcare system for far too long," said Dr. Elizabeth Ferluga, MD, Director of Movement Disorders at Synapticure. "The Synapticure model is transformative for this population — we can meet patients where they are, perform a thorough evaluation, help them understand their diagnosis and what it means for them and their families, provide information about potential clinical trials, and be a consistent, knowledgeable partner in their care over time. I am incredibly excited to bring this level of support to the ataxia community."
Synapticure's ataxia care program can provide patients with:
- Virtual medical evaluations with independent neurologists trained in movement disorders, including ataxias
- At-home genetic testing, where appropriate, including pre and post-test counseling by Synapticure's certified genetic counselors
- Coordinated evaluation of acquired causes of ataxias including comprehensive laboratory testing, brain imaging, and EMG/NCS as indicated
- Review of current medications and discussion of evidence-based treatment options
- Education about clinical trials studying ataxias and general guidance on how patients may explore participation
- Coordination with physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as other members of a patient's care team as appropriate and with patient consent
- Behavioral health support and caregiver resources to help families manage the full impact of receiving a neurological diagnosis
As with all conditions Synapticure providers can treat, Synapticure can serve as a patient's primary neurologist, where permitted or work in collaboration with other physicians on a patient's existing care team. The Synapticure model is designed to complement, not replace, any existing specialist relationships a patient may have. Synapticure operates independently and is solely responsible for its clinical services and patient care.
Patients living with ataxias anywhere in
About Synapticure
Founded by Sandra Abrevaya, Brian Wallach, Peter Wallach, and Jason Langheier, Synapticure is a patient- and caregiver-founded virtual care provider offering access to expert neurologists, cutting-edge treatments and trials, wraparound care coordination, and behavioral health support in all 50 states. Partnering with providers and health plans, including CMS' GUIDE dementia care model, Synapticure is dedicated to transforming the lives of millions of individuals and their families living with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and now ataxias. For more information, visit www.synapticure.com.
Synapticure's medical group, CareND, is in-network with Medicare and various commercial insurance plans, with new payer agreements added regularly. Where CareND is not yet in-network, claims will be submitted as an out-of-network provider. The Synapticure billing team is committed to cost transparency, providing patients with a cost estimate prior to any visit. Patients without insurance or those who prefer to pay out of pocket will be informed of visit costs in advance. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary based on a patient's health plan and individual circumstances.
Media Contact
References:
1. National Ataxia Foundation. What is Ataxia? Available at: https://www.ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/. Last accessed: May 2026.
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SOURCE Synapticure