Making the paralyzed walk again has come one step closer. GTX Medical has received permission to treat several dozens of people with spinal cord injury and paralysis with its Go-2 system, which is designed to promote the recovery of leg motor functions and neurological control. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted GTX Medical a Breakthrough Device Designation for its implantable system.
“With Breakthrough Device Designation for the implantable Go-2 system and for the non-invasive LIFT technology, we are now on an accelerated pathway” commented Jan Öhrström, Chairman of the GTX Board of Directors. “Both designations support our aim to expeditiously bring GTX’s innovative therapies for improving functional recovery, enhancing the quality of life and independence of people with spinal cord injury.” Öhrström replaced founder Sjaak Dekkers as CEO earlier this year. GTX Medical has its headquarters in Eindhoven; its medical specialists are mostly working from Lausanne.
The Go-2 System provides Targeted Epidural Spinal Stimulation (TESS) therapy, promoting the recovery of leg motor functions and neurological control in adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Specifically, the device is designed to improve the reconnection of the brain with paralyzed muscles in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury. The Company anticipates the first clinical trial for the complete Go-2 system in humans to take place in 2021.
GTX is also developing the wearable LIFT System, a transcutaneous approach that delivers Non-invasive Electrical Spinal Stimulation (NESS) therapy to treat SCI. The Up-LIFT pivotal trial planned to start in late 2020 aims to demonstrate improved or restored upper limb and hand strength and function through mild pulses delivered through the skin. The LIFT technology already received Breakthrough Device Designation in 2017.
Öhrström: “The FDA Breakthrough Device Designation is an important regulatory milestone and underscores the transformative potential of the Go-2 system and the unmet medical need it addresses.” The FDA Breakthrough Devices Program was established to help patients receive timely access to breakthrough technologies that provide a more effective treatment option compared to the current standard of care for life-threatening, or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions. The designation provides GTX the opportunity to frequently interact with FDA regulatory experts, thereby gaining valuable advice during the premarket review phase, and to receiving a prioritized review of GTX’ submissions.
