Program to Help MS Patients
Helius Medical Technologies https://heliusmedical.com has introduced breakthrough technology for MS patients to help with gait deficiency to improve their walking ability. The technology known as Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS), is available commercially by prescription to patients in the US. from 22 and older.
With the availability of new technologies and therapies, the ability to research and treat MS is rapidly growing. Studies have shown that the brain can make new connections after injury and rehabilitation by using PoNS therapy which can improve gait functionality and mobility.
PoNS a neuromuscular tongue stimulator to generate electrical pulses for stimulation of the facial nerves, can provide treatment for motor deficits if used as an adjunct to a supervised therapeutic exercise program.
In addition, the therapist can connect the controller to a computer and view PoNS therapy usage data via software developed specifically for the PoNS device. The data obtained enables the therapist to obtain important information on the individual’s adherence to their therapy regimen.
The Therapeutic Experience Program (TEP), a Helius-sponsored, open label observational, interventional multi-center is going to participate in a research clinical trial designed to assess adherence to PoNS therapy in patients with MS in a real world clinical setting.
So far, neurologists and neurorehabilitation therapists at 10 to 12 U.S. Centers of Excellence, have expressed an interest in doing the clinical trial to become early adopters of PoNS Therapy in order to advise the broader medical community.
For example, one of the first Centers of Excellence to announce a TEP partnership with Helius, was New York University-Langone Health. It was also recently announced that the Oregon (OSHU) Multiple Sclerosis Center considered one of the top programs in the country for the treatment and care of MS, will also take part in the TEP program.
The TEP study will be conducted at ten to twelve Centers of Excellence across the U.S. with an estimated four PoNS devices per site. Enrollment is expected to continue into 2023. A total of fifty to 60 patients with MS are expected to take part in the program.
Go to https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCTo5437276 for more information on the upcoming clinical trial to assess adherence to PoNS therapy in patients with MS. The clinical trial is titled: TEP Study for Improvement of Gait in People with MS.