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Pictured (l-r): Aideen O’Doherty, Head of Programs, HRB Clinical Research Facility, University of Galway; Liam Farrissey, CEO, CrannMed; Aoife Ní Mhuirí, CEO, Salaso Health Solutions Limited; Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke; and Dawn McGlade, Industry Engagement Business Development Manager, RCSI.
NEW YORK, December 9th 2025: A consortium of Salaso Health Solutions Ltd., CrannMed Ltd., University of Galway and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have been awarded €6.5m funding from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, for a series of world-first clinical trials aimed at delivering long-term relief for people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
The funding, announced by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke T.D. and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, is part of a broader €39m investment in seven additional projects under Call 7 of the DTIF.
The series of clinical trials are being coordinated by University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
The trial program combines two complimentary technologies to improve outcomes for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Patients will have access to breakthrough pain treatment developed by CrannMed and a recovery program developed by Salaso (a Northwell Holdings company) with the support of clinical specialists.
In the first trial, a patient will receive an injection which will selectively block blood flow to the site of pain, reducing inflammation and stray nerve endings, which are ultimately the root cause of the pain.
Patients who have experienced chronic pain need to pursue a structured recovery process aimed at building strength and improving the resilience of musculoskeletal tissues. The second clinical trial assesses the patient’s recovery as they are supported by a clinically governed, AI enabled self-management platform in real-time.
Furthermore, the trials will allow scientists and researchers within the clinical centres to develop new imaging techniques, smart trial designs and pain measurement methodologies that will be needed to make the solution standard within healthcare systems.
Aoife Ní Mhuirí, Salaso, said: “Using AI to increase engagement with clinically prescribed self-management programs will lead to improved patient outcomes while minimizing the time required from physicians or therapists to oversee post-procedure care. Treatment and recovery can happen closer to home, saving time and money for patients and the health system. The approach is more sustainable, more accessible for patients, and has the potential to set a new global standard for pain management.”
Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “This project is set to revolutionize how chronic joint and muscle pain is treated. The innovative treatment and clinical trial will enable patients to get effective, long-term pain relief from chronic pain without surgery or addictive drugs. This project is an example of academic-industry collaboration at its best and the Institute for Clinical Trials is delighted to support these types of partnerships by providing clinical trial expertise to our industry innovators and ensuring accelerated access to innovative treatments for patients.”
The DTIF, administered by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with support from Enterprise Ireland. The DTIF is a €500 million fund established under the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2018. It is managed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with administrative support from Enterprise Ireland and aims to drive collaboration between Ireland’s world-class research base and industry to develop disruptive technologies with strong commercial and real-world impact.
Salaso Health Solutions is an innovative Digital Health Company, delivering award-winning solutions for the healthcare and employee well-being industry sectors in Ireland, UK and the United States. Headquartered in Kerry Technology Park, Tralee, Salaso’s evidence-based and clinically-validated digital solutions empower users to prevent and better manage pain and injuries with exercise and physical therapy. Its STEPS platform (Smart Therapy Engagement Platform as a Service) for healthcare clients increases the reach and capacity of therapies and physical rehabilitation services, while its myHealthyBody platform engages employees with injury prevention, and on-demand guidance for injury management leading to faster access to treatment and better treatment outcomes.
For more information about Salaso and its innovative digital health solutions, please visit www.salaso.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mary Doyle
mdoyle@salaso.com
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