{"success":true,"data":{"pressRelease":{"id":"90262","rtpr_id":"nPn1cDC49a","ticker":"BIIB","exchange":"NASDAQ","all_tickers":["BIIB"],"title":"Synapticure Launches Groundbreaking Ataxia Care Program, Expanding Access to Specialized Neurology Nationwide","author":"PR Newswire","published_at":"2026-07-16T11:47:00.031Z","article_body":"Synapticure Launches Groundbreaking Ataxia Care Program, Expanding Access to Specialized Neurology Nationwide\n\nPR Newswire\n\nCHICAGO, July 16, 2026\n\nVirtual-first, multidisciplinary care model delivers care for adults living\nwith ataxias, connecting them to expert neurologist options nationwide.\n\nCHICAGO, July 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Synapticure, a leading virtual care\ncompany dedicated to improving access and outcomes for patients and caregivers\nliving with neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the launch of a\nvirtual ataxia care program. This program can help to provide timely access to\nspecialized care for adults living with ataxias — a group of neurological\nconditions characterized by progressive loss of coordination, balance, and\nmotor function. Synapticure partnered with Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) to\nsupport disease education and awareness efforts of this resource, helping to\naddress a critical gap in access to care for the ataxia community. Biogen is\nnot involved in developing, administering, or responsible for the Synapticure\nhealthcare services, clinical considerations, or patient care. Adults with\nataxias can receive specialized neurological care from Synapticure's care team\nor be co-managed alongside their existing care team.\n\n(https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/3006083/Synapticure_Logo.html)\n\nWith this expansion, Synapticure adds to its comprehensive virtual platform\nfor neurodegenerative care in the United States, now extending its reach to\nserve individuals living with ataxias across the country.\n\n\"For people living with ataxias and their families, accessing expert\nneurological care is often a years-long struggle,\" said Sandra Abrevaya, CEO\nand Co-Founder of Synapticure. \"Synapticure was built to change that dynamic\n— to expand access to specialized neurological expertise directly to\npatients where they live, and to make personalized, proactive care the\nstandard rather than the exception. We are proud to now open our doors to the\nataxia community.\"\n\nAtaxias affect tens of thousands of people in the United States(1). With a\ngrowing landscape of disease-modifying research, the need for informed,\nataxia-knowledgeable care has never been greater.\n\n\"Highly specialized ataxia care and expertise can be difficult to find\nlocally, posing a significant challenge for individuals and families,\" said\nKristen Fortino, Head of the U.S. Rare Disease Franchise at Biogen. \"Our\ncommitment to people living with rare neurological diseases, including the\nbroader ataxia community, extends beyond treatment. We are dedicated to\nproviding meaningful support every step of the care journey including\nsupporting greater awareness of available care resources.\"\n\nSynapticure's ataxia care program will be led by Dr. Elizabeth Ferluga, MD,\nDirector of Movement Disorders at Synapticure, who brings deep clinical\nexpertise in movement disorders and a longstanding commitment to rare\nneurological conditions. Dr. Ferluga and the Synapticure clinical team can\nprovide patients with access to specialized evaluations, genetic counseling,\nand comprehensive longitudinal care — all delivered virtually by\nSynapticure's independent healthcare providers.\n\n\"Patients with ataxias are a community that has been underserved by the\ntraditional healthcare system for far too long,\" said Dr. Elizabeth Ferluga,\nMD, Director of Movement Disorders at Synapticure. \"The Synapticure model is\ntransformative for this population — we can meet patients where they are,\nperform a thorough evaluation, help them understand their diagnosis and what\nit means for them and their families, provide information about potential\nclinical trials, and be a consistent, knowledgeable partner in their care over\ntime. I am incredibly excited to bring this level of support to the ataxia\ncommunity.\"\n\nSynapticure's ataxia care program can provide patients with:\n\n * Virtual medical evaluations with independent neurologists trained in movement\ndisorders, including ataxias\n * At-home genetic testing, where appropriate, including pre and post-test\ncounseling by Synapticure's certified genetic counselors\n * Coordinated evaluation of acquired causes of ataxias including comprehensive\nlaboratory testing, brain imaging, and EMG/NCS as indicated\n * Review of current medications and discussion of evidence-based treatment\noptions\n * Education about clinical trials studying ataxias and general guidance on how\npatients may explore participation\n * Coordination with physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as\nother members of a patient's care team as appropriate and with patient\nconsent\n * Behavioral health support and caregiver resources to help families manage the\nfull impact of receiving a neurological diagnosis\nAs with all conditions Synapticure providers can treat, Synapticure can serve\nas a patient's primary neurologist, where permitted or work in collaboration\nwith other physicians on a patient's existing care team. The Synapticure model\nis designed to complement, not replace, any existing specialist relationships\na patient may have. Synapticure operates independently and is solely\nresponsible for its clinical services and patient care.\n\nPatients living with ataxias anywhere in the United States can visit\nsynapticure.com/with/ataxia\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4731900-1&h=290938138&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.synapticure.com%2Fwith%2Fataxia&a=synapticure.com%2Fwith%2Fataxia)\nor call (708) 630-1534 to schedule an intake appointment or learn more about\nSynapticure's services.\n\nAbout Synapticure\n\nFounded by Sandra Abrevaya, Brian Wallach, Peter Wallach, and Jason\nLangheier, Synapticure is a patient- and caregiver-founded virtual care\nprovider offering access to expert neurologists, cutting-edge treatments and\ntrials, wraparound care coordination, and behavioral health support in all 50\nstates. Partnering with providers and health plans, including CMS' GUIDE\ndementia care model, Synapticure is dedicated to transforming the lives of\nmillions of individuals and their families living with neurodegenerative\ndiseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and now ataxias. For more\ninformation, visit www.synapticure.com\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4731900-1&h=1476344980&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.synapticure.com%2F&a=www.synapticure.com)\n.\n\nSynapticure's medical group, CareND, is in-network with Medicare and various\ncommercial insurance plans, with new payer agreements added regularly. Where\nCareND is not yet in-network, claims will be submitted as an out-of-network\nprovider. The Synapticure billing team is committed to cost transparency,\nproviding patients with a cost estimate prior to any visit. Patients without\ninsurance or those who prefer to pay out of pocket will be informed of visit\ncosts in advance. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary based on a patient's\nhealth plan and individual circumstances.\n\nMedia Contact\n\nmarketing@synapticure.com (mailto:marketing@synapticure.com)\n\nReferences:\n\n1. National Ataxia Foundation. What is Ataxia? Available at:\nhttps://www.ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/\n(https://www.ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/) . Last accessed: May 2026.\n\nView original content to download\nmultimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synapticure-launches-groundbreaking-ataxia-care-program-expanding-access-to-specialized-neurology-nationwide-302826696.html\n(https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synapticure-launches-groundbreaking-ataxia-care-program-expanding-access-to-specialized-neurology-nationwide-302826696.html)\n\nSOURCE Synapticure\n\n\n\nPhoto: \nhttps://mma.prnewswire.com/media/3006083/Synapticure_Logo.jpg\n\nCopyright (c) 2026 PR Newswire Association,LLC. All Rights Reserved.","article_body_html":"","raw_payload":{"data":{"id":"nPn1cDC49a","title":"Synapticure Launches Groundbreaking Ataxia Care Program, Expanding Access to Specialized Neurology Nationwide","author":"PR Newswire","ticker":"BIIB","created":"2026-07-16T11:47:00.031Z","tickers":["BIIB"],"exchange":"NASDAQ","article_body":"Synapticure Launches Groundbreaking Ataxia Care Program, Expanding Access to Specialized Neurology Nationwide\n\nPR Newswire\n\nCHICAGO, July 16, 2026\n\nVirtual-first, multidisciplinary care model delivers care for adults living\nwith ataxias, connecting them to expert neurologist options nationwide.\n\nCHICAGO, July 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Synapticure, a leading virtual care\ncompany dedicated to improving access and outcomes for patients and caregivers\nliving with neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the launch of a\nvirtual ataxia care program. This program can help to provide timely access to\nspecialized care for adults living with ataxias — a group of neurological\nconditions characterized by progressive loss of coordination, balance, and\nmotor function. Synapticure partnered with Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) to\nsupport disease education and awareness efforts of this resource, helping to\naddress a critical gap in access to care for the ataxia community. Biogen is\nnot involved in developing, administering, or responsible for the Synapticure\nhealthcare services, clinical considerations, or patient care. Adults with\nataxias can receive specialized neurological care from Synapticure's care team\nor be co-managed alongside their existing care team.\n\n(https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/3006083/Synapticure_Logo.html)\n\nWith this expansion, Synapticure adds to its comprehensive virtual platform\nfor neurodegenerative care in the United States, now extending its reach to\nserve individuals living with ataxias across the country.\n\n\"For people living with ataxias and their families, accessing expert\nneurological care is often a years-long struggle,\" said Sandra Abrevaya, CEO\nand Co-Founder of Synapticure. \"Synapticure was built to change that dynamic\n— to expand access to specialized neurological expertise directly to\npatients where they live, and to make personalized, proactive care the\nstandard rather than the exception. We are proud to now open our doors to the\nataxia community.\"\n\nAtaxias affect tens of thousands of people in the United States(1). With a\ngrowing landscape of disease-modifying research, the need for informed,\nataxia-knowledgeable care has never been greater.\n\n\"Highly specialized ataxia care and expertise can be difficult to find\nlocally, posing a significant challenge for individuals and families,\" said\nKristen Fortino, Head of the U.S. Rare Disease Franchise at Biogen. \"Our\ncommitment to people living with rare neurological diseases, including the\nbroader ataxia community, extends beyond treatment. We are dedicated to\nproviding meaningful support every step of the care journey including\nsupporting greater awareness of available care resources.\"\n\nSynapticure's ataxia care program will be led by Dr. Elizabeth Ferluga, MD,\nDirector of Movement Disorders at Synapticure, who brings deep clinical\nexpertise in movement disorders and a longstanding commitment to rare\nneurological conditions. Dr. Ferluga and the Synapticure clinical team can\nprovide patients with access to specialized evaluations, genetic counseling,\nand comprehensive longitudinal care — all delivered virtually by\nSynapticure's independent healthcare providers.\n\n\"Patients with ataxias are a community that has been underserved by the\ntraditional healthcare system for far too long,\" said Dr. Elizabeth Ferluga,\nMD, Director of Movement Disorders at Synapticure. \"The Synapticure model is\ntransformative for this population — we can meet patients where they are,\nperform a thorough evaluation, help them understand their diagnosis and what\nit means for them and their families, provide information about potential\nclinical trials, and be a consistent, knowledgeable partner in their care over\ntime. I am incredibly excited to bring this level of support to the ataxia\ncommunity.\"\n\nSynapticure's ataxia care program can provide patients with:\n\n * Virtual medical evaluations with independent neurologists trained in movement\ndisorders, including ataxias\n * At-home genetic testing, where appropriate, including pre and post-test\ncounseling by Synapticure's certified genetic counselors\n * Coordinated evaluation of acquired causes of ataxias including comprehensive\nlaboratory testing, brain imaging, and EMG/NCS as indicated\n * Review of current medications and discussion of evidence-based treatment\noptions\n * Education about clinical trials studying ataxias and general guidance on how\npatients may explore participation\n * Coordination with physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as\nother members of a patient's care team as appropriate and with patient\nconsent\n * Behavioral health support and caregiver resources to help families manage the\nfull impact of receiving a neurological diagnosis\nAs with all conditions Synapticure providers can treat, Synapticure can serve\nas a patient's primary neurologist, where permitted or work in collaboration\nwith other physicians on a patient's existing care team. The Synapticure model\nis designed to complement, not replace, any existing specialist relationships\na patient may have. Synapticure operates independently and is solely\nresponsible for its clinical services and patient care.\n\nPatients living with ataxias anywhere in the United States can visit\nsynapticure.com/with/ataxia\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4731900-1&h=290938138&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.synapticure.com%2Fwith%2Fataxia&a=synapticure.com%2Fwith%2Fataxia)\nor call (708) 630-1534 to schedule an intake appointment or learn more about\nSynapticure's services.\n\nAbout Synapticure\n\nFounded by Sandra Abrevaya, Brian Wallach, Peter Wallach, and Jason\nLangheier, Synapticure is a patient- and caregiver-founded virtual care\nprovider offering access to expert neurologists, cutting-edge treatments and\ntrials, wraparound care coordination, and behavioral health support in all 50\nstates. Partnering with providers and health plans, including CMS' GUIDE\ndementia care model, Synapticure is dedicated to transforming the lives of\nmillions of individuals and their families living with neurodegenerative\ndiseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and now ataxias. For more\ninformation, visit www.synapticure.com\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4731900-1&h=1476344980&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.synapticure.com%2F&a=www.synapticure.com)\n.\n\nSynapticure's medical group, CareND, is in-network with Medicare and various\ncommercial insurance plans, with new payer agreements added regularly. Where\nCareND is not yet in-network, claims will be submitted as an out-of-network\nprovider. The Synapticure billing team is committed to cost transparency,\nproviding patients with a cost estimate prior to any visit. Patients without\ninsurance or those who prefer to pay out of pocket will be informed of visit\ncosts in advance. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary based on a patient's\nhealth plan and individual circumstances.\n\nMedia Contact\n\nmarketing@synapticure.com (mailto:marketing@synapticure.com)\n\nReferences:\n\n1. National Ataxia Foundation. What is Ataxia? Available at:\nhttps://www.ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/\n(https://www.ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/) . Last accessed: May 2026.\n\nView original content to download\nmultimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synapticure-launches-groundbreaking-ataxia-care-program-expanding-access-to-specialized-neurology-nationwide-302826696.html\n(https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synapticure-launches-groundbreaking-ataxia-care-program-expanding-access-to-specialized-neurology-nationwide-302826696.html)\n\nSOURCE Synapticure\n\n\n\nPhoto: \nhttps://mma.prnewswire.com/media/3006083/Synapticure_Logo.jpg\n\nCopyright (c) 2026 PR Newswire Association,LLC. All Rights Reserved."},"type":"article","timestamp":"2026-07-16T11:47:00.091449484Z","server_sent_at_ms":1784202420091},"received_at":"2026-07-16T11:47:00.157Z","source_url":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synapticure-launches-groundbreaking-ataxia-care-program-expanding-access-to-specialized-neurology-nationwide-302826696.html"},"analysis":{"id":"79312","press_release_id":"90262","analysis_json":{"industry":{"label":"Biotechnology","sector":"Health Care"},"redFlags":[],"eventType":"partnership","narrative":"Biogen partnered with virtual care provider Synapticure to support disease education and awareness for a new ataxia care program launching nationwide.\n\nBiogen clarified it is not involved in the clinical services or patient care delivery, focusing solely on addressing gaps in access for the rare disease community.\n\nThe program expands Synapticure's virtual platform to offer specialized neurological evaluations and genetic counseling to adults with ataxias.","sentiment":"bullish","agentHooks":{"shouldPost":false,"suggestedAngle":""},"keyFigures":null,"quotedText":"Our commitment to people living with rare neurological diseases, including the broader ataxia community, extends beyond treatment.","namedEntities":{"people":[{"name":"Sandra Abrevaya","role":"CEO and Co-Founder of Synapticure"},{"name":"Kristen Fortino","role":"Head of the U.S. Rare Disease Franchise at Biogen"},{"name":"Dr. Elizabeth Ferluga","role":"Director of Movement Disorders at Synapticure"}],"products":["virtual ataxia care program"],"companies":[{"name":"Synapticure","relationship":"partner"},{"name":"Biogen Inc.","ticker":"BIIB","relationship":"partner"},{"name":"CareND","relationship":"Synapticure's medical group"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"materialImpact":{"score":1,"reasoning":"Non-operational partnership focused on disease education and awareness. 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