ONWARD Medical has acquired the rights to CEA-Clinatec’s WIMAGINE brain-computer interface (BCI). This breakthrough technology allows people with spinal cord injury to move their paralyzed limbs again with thought power. According to Onward, the ARC-BCI system, which combines the WIMAGINE with ONWARD’s ARC-IM therapy, is showing promising results in early clinical trials. With seven years of safety data and successful implantations in three patients, ONWARD is poised to be the first to market a BCI system that can restore thought-controlled movement after paralysis.
The WIMAGINE BCI system decodes brain signals and translates them into movements, allowing people with spinal cord injury to regain control of their limbs. The WIMAGINE BCI has accumulated seven years of safety data, which is essential for the medical community’s and patients’ confidence. These data show that the system can be safely implanted and used without harmful side effects. The combination with ARC-IM therapy, which has already been tested in more than 30 participants, reinforces confidence in the potential of this technology to transform lives.
Commercial availability
ONWARD Medical’s CEO, Dave Marver, sees a clear path to market launch. The exclusive licensing agreement with CEA-Clinatec, including an upfront payment of €1 million, is an important step in this direction, he says. The technology, which uses adaptive AI algorithms, is expected to be available for wider clinical application in early 2025.
For people with spinal cord injury, this technology represents an opportunity for a new beginning. The ability to self-initiate movements can be a huge boost to patients’ independence and quality of life. ONWARD Medical remains committed to improving the functionality and independence of people with neurological disorders, and the WIMAGINE BCI is a crucial part of this mission.
Future outlook
The ARC-BCI system is more than a medical device; it symbolizes hope. With support from organizations such as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and the European Innovation Council, the future of neurostimulation is promising. ONWARD continues to innovate and expand its research to make this technology accessible to even more people who need it.
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