ONWARD Medical Expands Brain-Computer Interface Trials to Seven Patients

Event summary

  • ONWARD Medical completed two additional brain-computer interface (BCI) implants paired with spinal cord stimulation, bringing the total to seven patients.
  • The procedures were performed at CHUV in Lausanne, Switzerland, under the direction of Jocelyne Bloch, MD.
  • The implants targeted upper- and lower-limb movement restoration for a 35-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man with spinal cord injuries.
  • The ARC-BCI System received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2024 and is supported by eight years of human safety data.

The big picture

ONWARD Medical's expansion of its ARC-BCI Therapy trials underscores its leadership in neurotechnology for spinal cord injury treatment. The company's focus on integrating AI and BCI with spinal cord stimulation aligns with broader industry trends toward restoring movement and independence for patients with paralysis. With seven patients now implanted, the next phase will be critical in demonstrating the therapy's long-term efficacy and securing regulatory approvals.

What we're watching

Clinical Efficacy
How the expanded patient data will validate the ARC-BCI Therapy's effectiveness in restoring movement.
Regulatory Progress
The pace at which FDA and other regulators advance the ARC-BCI System through clinical trials to commercialization.
Competitive Positioning
Whether ONWARD Medical can maintain its leadership in BCI technology amid growing competition in neurotechnology.

Related topics

Biotechnology