The studies aim to evaluate the ARC-IM spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system’s potential to help people with Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers Dr. Jocelyne Bloch and Grégoire Courtine of NeuroRestore received a $1 million grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). The grant supports a clinical feasibility study of six participants. It explores whether ARC-IM can address mobility challenges in Parkinson’s. Onward said the first implant in this study took place in late 2024.
This study builds on findings previously published by Courtine and Bloch in Nature in late 2023. That study demonstrated ARC-IM’s ability to improve mobility and balance and reduce freezing of gait after Parkinson’s.
Additionally, Onward and NeuroRestore received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Dept. of Defense Parkinson’s Research Program. This supports a clinical feasibility study with five participants. It evaluates ARC-IM in addressing blood pressure instability in Parkinson’s. The company expects to kick off the study in the first half of this year.
Onward ARC-IM delivers targeted, personalized SCS to restore function and movement after spinal cord injury and other movement disabilities. It features an implantable neurostimulator that generates precise electrical stimulation delivered by a lead placed on the spinal cord. Together, they deliver therapy to the area of the spinal cord responsible for movement or restoration of autonomic function.
“The versatility and promise of the ONWARD ARC-IM System has been validated by grants from these distinguished organizations, supporting research to determine if our technology can be leveraged beyond spinal cord injury,” said Dave Marver, CEO of ONWARD Medical. “There are 10 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s and we are hopeful the ARC-IM System may offer them new and powerful therapeutic options.”
