ONWARD Medical’s Q1 2025 update marks a pivotal period of progress as the company transitions from development to commercialization. With the FDA-cleared ARC-EX® System, ONWARD successfully initiated its phased U.S. launch—deploying its field team, establishing a sales pipeline, and installing the system in reference clinics. Ten systems were sold in Q1, signaling strong early demand. The ARC-EX, a non-invasive spinal cord stimulation system, is designed to restore upper limb function in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI), helping improve independence and quality of life through activity-based rehabilitation.
Beyond commercialization, ONWARD continued to advance its next-generation neuromodulation platforms, including the investigational ARC-IM® System, which achieved a major milestone with the first human implant of its lumbar lead to aid lower-limb mobility. The company also announced new research grants to evaluate the ARC-IM System’s potential in managing Parkinson’s-related motor and cardiovascular issues. Meanwhile, ONWARD’s ARC-BCI® platform reached new heights with its 4th and 5th successful brain-computer interface implants, enabling thought-driven movement in SCI patients. This work not only showcases ONWARD’s innovation but also reinforces its global leadership in the convergence of neurostimulation and brain-machine interface technology.
Together, these achievements position ONWARD Medical as a transformative force in neurotechnology. The company is delivering on its mission to restore movement and function through scalable, evidence-backed solutions, bridging scientific discovery with real-world patient care. With positive commercial traction, expanding clinical validation, and international recognition—including a feature on 60 Minutes—ONWARD is building the foundation for long-term impact in restoring mobility and independence for people living with SCI and other neurological disorders.
MedTech Spectrum's Summary
Strong Commercial Start: ONWARD successfully launched its ARC-EX® System in the U.S., achieving initial sales and setting a solid foundation for broader adoption in restoring upper limb function for people with spinal cord injuries.
Breakthrough Clinical Progress: The company advanced its investigational ARC-IM® and ARC-BCI® platforms, with key milestones including the first lumbar lead implant and additional BCI procedures enabling thought-driven movement.
Establishing Global Leadership: With growing clinical evidence, strategic funding, and international visibility, ONWARD is reinforcing its leadership in neurotechnology—driving scalable innovation to restore mobility, function, and independence in SCI and related conditions.
