Enhancing Spinal Injury Solutions with ARC-EX Technology

In 2010, Melanie Reid experienced a life-changing accident that left her paralyzed below the shoulders. Initially, she felt resigned to her condition, believing that her situation would be static. However, her involvement in a trial using a novel, noninvasive rehabilitation device significantly impacted her ability to use her hands. Through the device, she has achieved small but transformative improvements in her daily living.

Reid emphasized the importance of hand functionality over mobility, especially for those who are tetraplegic. “There are no miracles in spinal injury,” she explained at a press briefing. “Tiny gains can be life-changing.”

The innovative device she tested, known as ARC-EX, was developed by Onward Medical. It employs electrodes positioned along the spine, specifically near the injury site, to stimulate nerve activity during physical therapy. The aim is to not only enhance motor skills while the device operates but also to improve long-term rehabilitation outcomes. Research published on May 20 in Nature Medicine focused on arm and hand functions in individuals with quadriplegia.

For about 40 years, researchers have explored electrical stimulation as a potential remedy for spinal cord injuries. The ARC-EX stands out due to its unique high-frequency waveform, which allows for five times more amperage to be tolerated by patients without discomfort, as indicated by coauthor Chet Moritz from the University of Washington.

The study’s participants received two months of traditional physical therapy, followed by a combined regimen involving the ARC-EX device. Each patient underwent personalized adjustments to their treatment. Results showed that over 70% of participants reported improved strength and function during their recovery, with 87% noting an enhanced quality of life afterward. Importantly, no significant safety issues linked to the device were identified.

Onward Medical plans to pursue FDA approval for the ARC-EX by the end of 2024. The company is also working on an implantable version known as ARC-IM, while exploring other assistive technology like robotic exoskeletons. The ARC-EX is viewed as a potentially accessible treatment method, particularly during the crucial recovery phase following a spinal cord injury. However, costs for the commercial version are still being determined, pending negotiations with insurers.

The World Health Organization estimates that over 15 million individuals are living with spinal cord injuries, with Moritz suggesting that nearly 90% could benefit from this new approach.

Dimitry Sayenko, a spinal cord recovery researcher at Houston Methodist, praised the study’s substantial participant count and focus on safety, although he highlighted the underpinnings of spinal stimulation are still unclear. The findings reinforce the concept that noninvasive spinal stimulation may offer benefits, but further research is necessary to maximize effectiveness and clarify the animal and human physiology involved.