Onward Medical, based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, has been awarded a grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to investigate the potential of its ARC-BCI therapy in restoring upper limb movement following subcortical stroke. This brain-computer interface (BCI), initially designed for lower limb mobility restoration after spinal cord injury (SCI), will now be adapted for stroke rehabilitation, potentially offering a new avenue for patients to regain motor function.
The ARC-BCI system integrates Onward's ARC-IM stimulator implant with the WImagine BCI technology licensed from CEA-Clinatec. This innovative approach uses artificial intelligence (AI) to decode a person's brain signals, translating their intentions into movements. Onward reported the first human implant of the BCI nearly a year ago and has since achieved significant milestones, including FDA breakthrough device designation in February and acceptance into the FDA's Total Product Lifecycle Advisory Program (TAP) in March.
"While helping people with spinal cord injury remains our North Star, this grant underscores the potential for our breakthrough therapies to impact people with other movement disabilities, such as stroke," said Dave Marver, CEO of Onward Medical. "The funding supports next steps in developing what may be the first-ever therapy to restore thought-driven hand and arm function after stroke."
The grant will enable Onward to develop the capability to program and simultaneously control two investigational ARC-IM implantable pulse generators (IPGs). Furthermore, the company aims to advance its ARC-IM lead for the cervical spinal cord, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of the BCI system.
With stroke being a leading cause of long-term disability, affecting millions worldwide, the development of new rehabilitation strategies is crucial. Current treatments often involve physical therapy and medication, but many patients experience persistent motor deficits. The ARC-BCI therapy offers a promising alternative by directly interfacing with the brain to restore lost motor control.
Onward's progress in the BCI field has been marked by several key achievements, including a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to support an ongoing BCI study and the third implant of the device in September. Additionally, Ottoback (Duderstadt Germany) recently became Onward’s largest shareholder, signaling strong industry confidence in the company's technology and vision.
