ONWARD Medical N.V., the trailblazing medical technology company renowned for its groundbreaking spinal cord stimulation therapies, is rewriting the future of mobility, function, and independence for those grappling with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
Today, they proudly unveil a monumental achievement – the successful debut of their ARC-IM Stimulator*, a beacon of hope for restoring upper extremity function after SCI. What’s even more awe-inspiring? The patient received a wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) that empowers thought-driven movement, synergizing seamlessly with the ARC-IM.
Enter the ARC-IM, a beacon of progress, delivering precision-engineered ARC-IM Therapy to the spinal cord. It’s a game-changer, having previously demonstrated its prowess in restoring mobility and stabilizing blood pressure post-SCI. Now, it’s scaling new heights by resurrecting upper extremity movement and function.
In a spectacular display of medical prowess, renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Jocelyne Bloch orchestrated two groundbreaking procedures at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) in Lausanne, Switzerland. The ARC-IM implant, performed on August 14, 2023, set the stage, followed nine days later by the implantation of the awe-inspiring BCI WIMAGINE® from CEA-Clinatec.
Picture this: a wireless BCI tuned to decipher a paralyzed individual’s intention to move their upper extremities, all powered by artificial intelligence. It’s the stuff of science fiction brought to life! ARC-IM takes the decoded signals and transforms them into ARC-IM Therapy, a symphony of precise spinal cord stimulation that results in thought-driven movement.
Dr. Jocelyne Bloch, the visionary behind these pioneering procedures, shared, “The implant procedures involving the ONWARD ARC-IM and Clinatec BCI went smoothly. We are now working with the patient to use this cutting-edge innovation to recover movement of his arms, hands, and fingers. We look forward to sharing more information in due course.”
This sensational achievement is a pivotal moment in an ongoing clinical study. It’s all about unlocking the safety and effectiveness of thought-initiated spinal cord stimulation after SCI. Remember that buzz-worthy announcement from ONWARD back in May 2023?
They made waves by pairing ARC Therapy with a BCI implant, granting an individual newfound control over their paralyzed legs. This revolutionary study, supported by the European Innovation Council’s grant (Reverse Paralysis project), is masterminded by .NeuroRestore’s co-directors, Professor Grégoire Courtine and Dr. Jocelyne Bloch, along with the ingenious Guillaume Charvet, head of the Medical Device Development Lab at CEA-Clinatec.
Dave Marver, the visionary CEO of ONWARD, chimed in with enthusiasm, saying, “This is another impressive piece of research from our partners at .NeuroRestore. We are excited to learn how ARC-IM Therapy may restore upper extremity function after SCI, and we are eager to see how the addition of a BCI might augment our therapy. Congratulations to the teams at EPFL, CHUV, and CEA-Clinatec for this breakthrough. We feel privileged that our technology is part of this research.”
Hold your breath, for there’s more to come! ONWARD promises to unravel further details about this groundbreaking research in the coming months, aligning with a forthcoming peer-reviewed publication that will vividly describe the procedure and unveil the astonishing results. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this remarkable journey towards rewriting the script of spinal cord injury recovery.
About ONWARD Medical
Prepare to be amazed by the incredible journey of ONWARD, a trailblazing medical technology company on a mission to rekindle movement, reignite function, and restore independence in individuals facing the challenges of spinal cord injury (SCI) and movement disabilities.
Drawing from over a decade of relentless scientific pursuit and preclinical exploration, ONWARD stands at the forefront of innovation, holding an impressive tally of nine Breakthrough Device Designations from the revered US Food and Drug Administration for their groundbreaking ARC Therapy™ platform.
Enter the world of ONWARD® ARC Therapy, a marvel available through both external ARC-EX™ and implantable ARC-IM™ systems. This cutting-edge therapy is precision-engineered to deliver targeted, meticulously programmed spinal cord stimulation.
In 2023, the world watched in awe as ONWARD unveiled the compelling findings from their pivotal Up-LIFT study, showcasing the remarkable potential of transcutaneous ARC Therapy in enhancing upper extremity strength and function. The buzz is palpable as ONWARD gears up to submit regulatory approval applications for ARC-EX in the United States and Europe, promising a seismic shift in spinal cord injury treatment.
But that’s not all; ONWARD’s innovation engine doesn’t stop there. The Company is also delving into the realm of implantable ARC-IM technology, where early clinical data shines a light on its capacity to revolutionize blood pressure regulation post-SCI.
Imagine the possibilities when ARC-IM joins forces with a brain-computer interface (BCI) – ONWARD is exploring this very frontier in their ongoing studies.
With their headquarters nestled in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, ONWARD casts a global footprint. Their Science and Engineering Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, and a US hub in the vibrant city of Boston, Massachusetts, serve as hubs for innovation and collaboration.
But here’s where the magic truly happens: ONWARD’s academic partnership with .NeuroRestore, a dynamic collaboration between the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), propels their quest for groundbreaking solutions even further.
ONWARD is not just a company; it’s a beacon of hope, a testament to human ingenuity, and a promise of a brighter tomorrow for those facing the challenges of spinal cord injury. Stay tuned as they continue to rewrite the script of medical innovation, one breakthrough at a time.