Dutch Medical Innovator Onward Medical Earns Spot in TIME's Best Inventions 2024
Netherlands, Thursday, 31 October 2024.
Onward Medical’s ARC-EX System, designed to restore hand and arm function in spinal cord injury patients, has been recognized in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024. This groundbreaking therapy, which benefits 90% of trial participants, exemplifies the Netherlands’ role in transformative health innovation.
A Revolutionary Advancement in Medical Technology
The ARC-EX System by Onward Medical is a pioneering medical innovation that uses spinal cord stimulation to significantly improve upper limb function in individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries (SCI). Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2024, this non-invasive therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy. During clinical trials, 90% of participants reported enhanced strength and functionality in their arms and hands, showcasing the potential of this technology to transform lives[1].
Understanding the ARC-EX System
The ARC-EX System operates by applying electrical stimulation externally through electrodes, effectively amplifying the brain’s neural signals to bypass spinal cord injuries. This mechanism allows patients to regain movement and strength that were previously lost due to injury. As per a study published in Nature, even individuals with injuries sustained decades earlier experienced improvements, highlighting the broad applicability and effectiveness of this therapy[2].
The Visionary Behind Onward Medical
Leading this innovative charge is Dave Marver, CEO of Onward Medical, who joined the company in 2020. With a robust background in medical and consumer technology, Marver has steered the company towards global recognition. Onward Medical, headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, also operates from Lausanne, Switzerland, and Boston, Massachusetts, underscoring its international reach and ambition[3].
Broader Impact and Future Prospects
Onward Medical’s recognition alongside other Dutch innovators like Meatable and Whispp underscores the Netherlands’ burgeoning role in global health and technology innovation. The ARC-EX System, with its potential to restore independence and quality of life for millions of SCI patients worldwide, exemplifies the profound impact of medical technology on society. As Onward Medical prepares for a commercial launch in the U.S. and Europe, it continues to drive forward with additional therapies like ARC-IM and ARC-BCI, setting new standards in SCI treatment[4].