How this Dutch startup is helping paralyzed patients move again

Jessie Owen's life was transformed when a tree fell on her family's car in 2012, resulting in the loss of her parents and her own paralysis. She was left with limited movement and struggled with fine motor skills. A few years ago, Owen participated in a clinical study for a device called ARC-EX, which stimulates sensory nerves in the spine to improve motor function. After therapy, Owen was able to tie her shoes, open a jar, and drink from a glass, regaining some independence. The study, published in Nature Medicine, showed improvements in hand strength or function in 90% of participants, including those with 34-year-old injuries. Owen also experienced stabilized blood pressure and relief from neuropathic pain. The ARC-EX device received FDA clearance in December and is being brought to market by the medical tech company Onward. Onward plans to use the device at 10 clinics before making it widely available later this year. The company is also developing an implantable version and a brain-computer interface to help people move again using their thoughts. The ARC-EX device has the potential to greatly improve the lives of those with spinal cord injuries.