On With Life Introduces New Non-Invasive Treatment for People with Spinal Cord Injury
On With Life is excited to share the acquisition of the groundbreaking ARC-EX System from ONWARD Medical, becoming one of the first facilities in Iowa to offer this FDA-cleared therapy for people with chronic spinal cord injuries (SCI).
The ARC-EX System is the first FDA-cleared non-invasive technology clinically proven to improve hand strength and sensation for individuals with SCI. This milestone represents a new era of hope for the SCI Community, who previously had limited options for functional recovery after their injury.
"This technology represents a significant advancement in our ability to help people with spinal cord injuries regain function and independence," said On With Life’s SCI coordinator, Sam Williams. "This tool allows us to offer a therapy that goes beyond conventional rehabilitation approaches and directly addresses the neurological challenges of spinal cord injury."
The ARC-EX System was selected as a TIME Magazine Best Invention in 2024 and has received FDA Breakthrough Device designation.
How the ARC-EX System Works
The ARC-EX System delivers programmed electrical stimulation through the skin to the spinal cord via electrodes placed on the back of the neck. This non-invasive approach requires no surgery, unlike other spinal cord stimulation devices. During therapy sessions, people with SCI use the device while performing functional tasks guided by trained rehabilitation specialists. Designed for clinical use, the system supports up to one hour of daily therapy and complements specialized rehabilitation exercises.
The Up-LIFT clinical study published in Nature Medicine showed that 90% of participants improved in upper limb strength or function, with 87% reporting enhanced quality of life. Additional benefits included reduced spasm frequency, improved sleep quality, and better upper body sensation. Regaining hand function is consistently rated as the highest treatment priority for people with spinal cord injuries, as it directly impacts independence in daily activities like eating, dressing, and personal care.
"These functional improvements can have a profound impact on the lives of people with SCI," said Sam. "The ability to perform everyday tasks independently contributes significantly to dignity, confidence, and overall quality of life."
On With Life was able to purchase this innovative equipment earlier this year thanks to the Chris Norton Foundation, who generously donated $38,000 to do so. The ARC-EX System is now available at On With Life’s inpatient and outpatient facilities in Ankeny for individuals with chronic, non-progressive spinal cord injuries (C2-C8 inclusive) who are between 18 and 75 years old. People with SCI interested in learning more about this therapy can refer to On With Life at www.onwithlife.org/refer.
About ONWARD Medical and the ARC-EX System
ONWARD Medical is a medical technology company creating therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with SCI and other movement disabilities. Building on more than a decade of scientific discovery, preclinical research, and clinical studies conducted at leading hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and neuroscience laboratories, the Company has developed ARC Therapy, which has been awarded ten Breakthrough Device Designations from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition to the ARC-EX System, which is now cleared for commercial sale in the US, the Company is developing an implantable system called ARC-IM with and without an implanted brain-computer interface (BCI).
Headquartered in the Netherlands, the Company has a Science and Engineering Center in Switzerland and a US office in Boston, Massachusetts. The Company is listed on Euronext Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam (ticker: ONWD).
For more information, visit ONWD.com and connect via LinkedIn and YouTube. If you are a clinician or person with a spinal cord injury, visit survey.onwd.com/support.
About Chris Norton Foundation
The Chris Norton Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities. Through more than a decade of partnership with On With Life, they have generously contributed more than $250,000 in support, investing in innovative equipment, technology and therapeutic opportunities that enhance rehabilitation services and help individuals living with spinal cord injury pursue their goals.