Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Enables Thought-Controlled
Walking after Spinal Cord Injury
Pioneering study in Nature demonstrates that adding a BCI to ONWARD® ARC Therapy™ can
enable thought-controlled standing, walking, and stair climbing
EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands — May 24, 2023 — ONWARD Medical N.V. (Euronext: ONWD),
the medical technology company creating innovative spinal cord stimulation therapies to restore
movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injury (SCI), today announces
a publication in Nature showing that a wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) can use thought to
modulate ARC Therapy. Researchers reported that when paired with ARC Therapy, an implanted
BCI allowed an individual to gain augmented control over when and how he moved his paralyzed
legs.
“This publication shows the remarkable potential of ARC Therapy to be enhanced with the
introduction of a BCI, facilitating more natural movement based on the thoughts of a person living
with paralysis,” said Dave Marver, CEO of ONWARD. “We have positioned ONWARD as a leader
in the BCI field with our unique understanding of spinal cord stimulation for people with SCI.”
“The BCI establishes a continuous link between movement intentions and spinal cord stimulation,
allowing for more natural restoration of mobility,” said neuroscientist Grégoire Courtine, professor
at EPFL, and co-author of the Nature paper. “I look forward to working with the ONWARD team
to advance this important new technology.”
The data published today are part of an ongoing clinical feasibility study investigating the safety
and preliminary effectiveness of brain-controlled spinal cord stimulation after SCI. The study is
being coordinated by .NeuroRestore co-Directors – Grégoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch, a
neurosurgeon at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) – as well as Guillaume Charvet, Head of
the Medical Device Development Lab at CEA-Leti / Clinatec.