June 16, 2021
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Cambridge Consultants, part of Capgemini, and Helius Medical Technologies, Inc (NASDAQ:HSDT), have confirmed that a groundbreaking device they developed for short-term treatment of gait deficit due to mild-to-moderate symptoms from multiple sclerosis (MS) has received marketing authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Cambridge Consultants worked with Helius to develop its breakthrough technology to treat patients suffering from neurological disease. The device, known as the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS™), is the first commercial product from Helius and is designed to deliver potentially life-changing therapy via the tongue.
MS is a chronic, degenerative and debilitating disease estimated to affect approximately one million patients in the United States. MS patients can have restriction of mobility, balance, and gait, and can struggle to stand or walk on their own. There has been a lack of access to effective solutions until now.
The PoNS device, developed for Helius by Cambridge Consultants, is a non-invasive, body-worn medical device that delivers controlled neurostimulation to two cranial nerves, via the tongue. It is the first and only tongue-delivered neuromodulation therapy. When used in conjunction with physical therapy, PoNS Treatment is believed to enhance a patient’s neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to restructure or relearn new functions. Enhanced neuroplasticity improves a patient’s ability to learn, train, and rehabilitate. Patients in the United States suffering from gait deficit due to mild-to-moderate symptoms from MS can benefit from PoNS Treatment, which has the potential to improve, or even restore, their ability to walk.
The PoNS device is the result of complex systems engineering and technological innovation, while the science behind how the device stimulates the tongue is unique. Sophisticated electronics, firmware and software are integrated – via intricate mechanical design – in an ergonomic form factor. The body-worn, interactive controller, designed for user-centric patient and clinician workflow, is coupled with a mouthpiece electrode system that delivers precise neurostimulation during therapeutic exercise. A clinician interface with cloud-based data management software provides clinicians with a digital ecosystem to enable efficient patient care.
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