Swiss-Dutch startup Onward raises €26.5M to enable people with spinal cord injury to move again; here’s how
Summary
Eindhoven, Netherlands-based Onward is a medical technology company that creates innovative therapies to restore movement, independence, and health in people with spinal cord injury. John de Koning, Partner at LSP, says, “Onward’s ARC Therapies have the potential to significantly improve outcomes for those living with spinal cord injury.” The company was formed in 2014 and is currently led by CEO Dave Marver and researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL). ARC-EX is currently undergoing clinical trials in the US, Canada, UK, and Western Europe in a pivotal study called Up-LIFT – commenced in January 2021 with plans to enroll 65 subjects at up to 15 centers globally. With ARCEX Therapy, the company aims to improve movement and strength in the hands and upper limbs of people with spinal cord injury compared to rehabilitation training alone. The company mentions on its website that the potential indications it may explore for ARCIM include walking, standing, reduction in spasticity, improved blood pressure regulation, sexual function, and bladder/bowel control.