Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the results of a case series of individuals with advanced symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treated with PoNS™ Therapy.
Six subjects with advanced MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores ranging from 6.5 to 7.5) were enrolled in a six-month pilot study. Subjects were trained in PoNS™ Therapy which combines use of the prototype PoNS™ device with physical training in balance, gait, movement and postural stability. Results demonstrated improvements in physical, cognitive and quality of life parameters. The demanding training regimen also resulted in significant real life improvements such as re-adopting a walker for community mobility, decreased fatigue, increased independence with daily activities, overcoming physical obstacles at home and increased community access.
The PoNS™ device is a non-invasive means for delivering neurostimulation through the tongue. The PoNS™ therapy is currently being studied in the United States for the treatment of balance disorder for subjects with mild to moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (“mTBI”), and in Canada for the treatment of gait and balance disorder for subjects with MS.
The PoNS™ device is believed to be the first non-invasive means for delivering neurostimulation through the tongue. Researchers believe that use of the tongue as a gateway to the brain may be one of the most natural, non-invasive and direct ways to stimulate the brain. The tongue is anatomically unique, being richly innervated by thousands of nerve fibers and interconnected to the brainstem by two major cranial nerves.
“Those with greater functional ability at the beginning of the study (EDSS 6.5-7.0) made the most significant gains but all subjects could be qualified as improved. The intervention shows promise to prolong functional ambulation and independence with daily activity,” said Principal Investigator Mitch Tyler.
In a separate MS Pilot study, sponsored by Helius (see press release November 2, 2015), the average EDSS score of the subjects was 4.5, while the average in this subject pool was 7.0. In applauding the efforts of the TCNL investigators.
Helius CEO Phillippe Deschamps noted, “The patients in this study represent a much more challenging cohort and received PoNS™ Therapy for a longer period (6-months vs. 14-weeks), yet compliance remained high. The outcome is very encouraging.”
1) The TCNL is the Tactile Communications and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. The PoNS™ was developed at TCNL and licensed to a Helius subsidiary.
About PoNS™ Therapy
The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS™) is an investigational non-invasive device designed to deliver neurostimulation through the tongue. PoNS™ Therapy combines the use of the device with physical therapy and is currently being evaluated in a multicenter clinical trial for the treatment of balance disorder for subjects with mild to moderate Traumatic Brain Injury.
About Helius Medical Technologies, Inc.
Helius Medical Technologies is a medical technology company focused on neurological wellness. Helius seeks to develop, license and acquire unique and non-invasive platform technologies that amplify the brain’s ability to heal itself. Helius intends to file for FDA clearance for the PoNS™ device. For more information, please visit www.heliusmedical.com.
