Helius touts 6-patient study of advanced MS cases

Helius Medical Technologies this week released the result of a 6-patient pilot study of its PoNS therapy used to treat the advanced symptoms of multiple sclerosis, touting improvements in physical, cognitive and quality of life parameters.

Data from the study was presented at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers this month, the Newtown, Penn.-based company said.

“Those with greater functional ability at the beginning of the study (EDSS 6.5-7.0) made the most significant gains but all subjects could be qualified as improved. The intervention shows promise to prolong functional ambulation and independence with daily activity,” Principal Investigator Mitch Tyler said in a press release.

Patients in the trial were trained with the PoNS therapy system which combines a prototype PoNS device with physical training balance, gait, movement and postural stability, the company said.

During the training, patients also made adjustments, such as readopting a walker for mobility, experiencing decreased fatigue and increased independence with daily activities and overcoming physical obstacles at home.

“The patients in this study represent a much more challenging cohort and received PoNSTM Therapy for a longer period (6-months vs. 14-weeks), yet compliance remained high. The outcome is very encouraging,” CEO Phillippe Deschamps said in a prepared statement.

In May, Helius Medical said it closed an over-allotment option for its most recent round of financing, bringing the total raised up to $8.1 million (CAD $10.3 million).

The company said it floated an additional 1.1 million units at 79¢ (CAD $1.00) in the over-allotment, raising an extra $857,083 for the round. The offering officially closed on April 18.

Helius said it plans to use the proceeds from the funding round to complete a clinical registry trial of its portable neuromodulation stimulator in treating traumatic brain injury, ahead of a bid for 510(k) clearance from the FDA. The cash will also go toward building commercial inventory and launched the device once it wins U.S. clearance. The company also plans to seek other indication for the device, including multiple sclerosis and stroke.

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