Our Vision

Empowered
by Movement

People with spinal cord injury will enjoy
life in every way that matters to them
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ONWARD innovation is changing lives
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We are a team of scientists, engineers, and physicians, collectively driven to create therapies that change lives. We understand the challenges of those living with spinal cord injury. We do not overpromise. We are here for the highs, lows, and everything in between.

We are working to enable people with spinal cord injury to move again, aided by ARC Therapy™ – targeted, programmed stimulation of the spinal cord.

In addition to restoring movement, we have observed other potential benefits from spinal cord stimulation that we may explore such as improved bladder control, sexual function, and blood pressure regulation.

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Investigational device, not available for commercial use

Science

Our work builds on more than a decade of basic science and preclinical research conducted at the world’s leading neuroscience laboratories

ONWARD benefits from an academic research partnership with .NeuroRestore, a collaboration between the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV). We have also exclusively licensed intellectual property developed at other leading global neuroscience research institutions, such as the University of Louisville and Caltech.

Scientific Rigor

The science behind ARC Therapy has been developed with rigor and patience, reinforced by multiple peer-reviewed publications in the world’s most respected scientific journals. These articles reveal the painstaking journey to develop our approach, starting with basic science and progressing in disciplined fashion through preclinical and clinical studies.

Investigational device, not available for commercial use

Technology

ONWARD's ARC Therapy is designed to deliver targeted, programmed stimulation of the spinal cord to restore movement and other functions in people with spinal cord injury

These benefits have been observed in published pre-clinical and human feasibility studies

Clinical results may vary.
Investigational device, not available for commercial use.

We are developing two technology platforms, ARCEX and ARCIM, for which the FDA° has granted a total of nine Breakthrough Device Designations.

ARCEX is our external, non-invasive platform consisting of a stimulator and wireless programmer. We have been granted Breakthrough Device Designation status from the FDA for the use of the ARCEX platform to improve upper and lower limb function, for bladder control and blood pressure regulation and for alleviation of spasticity in people with spinal cord injury.  

In 2022, the first large-scale clinical study of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation technology, called Up-LIFT, achieved its primary safety and effectiveness endpoints of improvement in upper extremity strength and function after a spinal cord injury. We are preparing regulatory submissions for the U.S. and Europe, with the expectation that this therapy may be approved for commercialization in late 2023.

ARCIM is our implantable platform, consisting of a neurostimulator (IPG) and lead placed near the spinal cord. ARCIM is controlled by wearable components and a smartwatch. The STIMO study demonstrated the ability of this therapy to enable long-paralyzed people to stand and walk again with little or no assistance. We received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for ARCIM in 2020 to restore leg motor function in people with spinal cord injury. Then in 2021, for the use of the system to normalize blood pressure and provide trunk stability, and in 2022 for bladder control. We expect to begin pivotal trials for these three indications within 24 months.

Other potential indications we may explore for ARCIM include reduced spasticity, improved sexual function and bowel control, BCI, Parkinson’s mobility and gait.

Our Pipeline Technologies

External system for
non-invasive, programmed stimulation of the spinal cord

Implantable platform for direct, programmed stimulation of the spinal cord

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We will share your information with our clinical research partners who will evaluate your candidacy for study participation.

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Investigational device, not available for commercial use.

°The FDA has awarded Breakthrough Device Designation for a system supporting the recovery of leg motor functions and neurological controls through the use of ARC Therapy in adults with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) who have a lesion both higher than vertebrae and spinal cord neurological levels T11 with preserved conus medullaris, and whose SCI or spinal cord compression is neither related to oncological causes nor to a neurodegenerative disease.

°The FDA has awarded Breakthrough Device Designation for a system to improve or restore upper extremity sensory and motor function in people with chronic neurological deficit resulting from incomplete spinal cord injury. It is intended to be used in conjunction with physical therapy at the hospital and rehabilitation therapy clinic.

ARCIM IPG and Lead.

The Up-LIFT pivotal study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of non-invasive electrical spinal cord stimulation (ARCEX Therapy) to improve upper extremity strength and function in people with spinal cord injury. The clinical study enrolled 65 people at 14 leading SCI centers in the U.S, Europe, and Canada, reporting positive topline results.

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Community

We are fortunate to enjoy strong relationships with many of the leading organizations who support research and innovation for individuals and families impacted by paralysis

We admire and celebrate the grit, courage, and determination shown daily by those we hope to serve

Wings for Life is a leading spinal cord injury non-profit organization headquartered in Austria with offices in the United Kingdom and the United States. It funds spinal cord injury research around the globe including the first STIMO trial, an important study that established the clinical feasibility for ARC Therapy to enable people with spinal cord injury to walk again.  The Wings for Life commitment to future STIMO trials and other promising therapeutics continues in order to accelerate important developments in neurorestorative approaches for spinal cord injury.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is an ONWARD partner and shareholder. The Reeve Foundation is the premier U.S. non-profit organization dedicated to advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. The Reeve Foundation’s mission is reflected in its dual purpose – “Today’s Care. Tomorrow’s Cure.” – providing a continuum of hope for individuals living with paralysis worldwide.

Spinal Research (The International Spinal Research Trust) is an ONWARD partner and shareholder. It is the UK's leading medical research charity funding the discovery and development of effective treatments for chronic spinal cord injury. During the last 40 years, it has funded over 140 international research projects which have achieved a number of important advances in the field of spinal cord injury.

Canada-based Praxis exists to lead global collaboration in spinal cord injury research, innovation, and care. Praxis has provided data to support a number of our research projects and initiatives.

About

Our work builds on decades of research and translational science by giants in this important and emerging field

ONWARD is headquartered in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. It maintains a Science and Engineering Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has a growing U.S. presence in Boston, Massachusetts. For additional information about the company, please visit ONWD.com. To access our 2023 Financial Calendar, please visit IR.ONWD.com.

We are backed by many of the leading European life sciences venture capital investors:

News + Progress

We are pleased to share some of the media coverage that describes our progress. News stories help raise awareness for current and future therapy options that may improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury.

A paralyzed man walks with brain and spine implants

Paralyzed man walks again thanks to AI breakthrough

Brain implants help paralysed man to walk again

Brain and spine implants enabled a paralyzed man to climb stairs and walk on rough terrain, study shows

Paralyzed man able to walk again with brain and spine implants

From 'science fiction' to reality: Paralyzed man walks again thanks to brain and spine implants

Brain Implants Allow Paralyzed Man to Walk Using His Thoughts

Swiss researchers use a wireless BCI to help a spinal injury patient walk more naturally

New Hope for Paralyzed After Study Success

Fatherhood joy for paralysis implant dad

New spinal cord stimulation study puts people with paralysis on their feet again

Activity-dependent spinal cord neuromodulation rapidly restores trunk and leg motor functions after complete paralysis

Patient advocacy groups and innovators must partner to advance new treatments

Journal Club: Restoring a Reflex - Andreessen Horowitz

Electrical Stimulation for Improved Function Post-Spinal Cord Injury: Interview with Dave Marver, CEO, ONWARD

ONWARD’s technology can restore the independence of those paralyzed due to spinal cord injury

A New Way to Restore Hand Mobility—With an Electrified Patch

First patient enrolled in Up-LIFT safety and effectiveness trial of ARC Therapy for spinal cord injury

ONWARD Announces First Patient Enrolled in the Up-LIFT Pivotal Trial Assessing Safety and Effectiveness of ARC Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury

Scientists create a thermostat for blood pressure to help patients with spinal cord injuries

Stimulation Technique Restores Critical Brain Function to Spinal Cord Injury Patients

‘Pacemaker for the spine:’ Study improves quality of life for man with spinal injury

How a spinal device could relieve a neglected effect of cord injury

Neuroprosthetic device maintains blood pressure after spinal cord injury

The neuroscientist changing the meaning of spinal cord injury

New treatment helps patients with a spinal cord injury

This Could Stabilize Blood Pressure After SCI

Electro-stimulation treatment helps patients with spinal-cord injuries

‘Life-changing’ discovery for people with spinal cord injury

New treatment can improve the lives of patients with spinal cord injury

Desarrollan un tratamiento que podría mejorar la vida de los pacientes con una lesión de la médula espinal

Leadership

Dave Marver

Chief Executive Officer
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G. Courtine, PhD

Chief Science Officer
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Khaled Bahi

Interim CFO
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John Murphy

Chief Technology Officer
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Bob Odell

Vice President, Operations
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Erika Ross, PhD

Vice President, Global Clinical & Regulatory
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Sarah Moore

Vice President,
Global Marketing
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Together

ONWARD Together Featured Story

See how ONWARD’s people are changing the world

Edoardo Paoles

System and Clinical Engineer, Netherlands

Edo is on a mission: Ensure the ONWARD engineering team produces a device that is safe and effective for people with spinal cord injury. The formula sounds simple: get the design process right from the start, ensure all teams are working in sync...

Anne Watrin

Clinical Program Manager, Switzerland

Anne joined ONWARD as Regulatory Affairs Engineer in 2016, shortly after graduating from ISIFC Besançon with an MSc in Life Sciences Engineering. She was one of the company’s first hires in Lausanne, which makes her an ONWARD veteran...

Ibrahim Youssef

Embedded Systems Engineer, Switzerland

There’s nothing Ibrahim likes better than a tricky engineering problem, especially when the outcome holds the promise of a better life for tens of thousands of people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Put simply, his job is to create the communication software...

Amanda Turner

Clinical Program Manager, United States

At the age of 10, Amanda Turner dreamed of becoming the next Jane Goodall. Her fascination with our closest animal cousins led her to study primate behavior and ecology at Central Washington University. Today she oversees the Up-LIFT clinical trial...

Miro Caban

System and Clinical Engineer, Switzerland

Miro isn’t afraid to try something completely new – like taking people with spinal cord injury (SCI) out for a paddle on Lake Geneva. As a recent graduate from the EPFL, he dove straight into the startup world, developing a new technology based on his...

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Our Team is Growing

We are looking for talented and committed people who want to work in an innovative, mission-driven environment creating technologies and therapies that make a difference. Check out our list of open positions in the US and Europe.

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