Reducing Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis using Non-invasive Neuromodulation

Principal Investigator: Drs Kaczmarek and Danilov

Disease: Multiple Sclerosis

Research Description: In 2009, Cures Within Reach funded Drs. Kaczmarek and Danilov at the University of Wisconsin to test the Portable NeuroStimulator (PoNS), previously used for treating balance disorders, in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients as a way to regain function by enhancing the brain’s ability to​ restore balance, walking, arm movement and strength. This small, pilot trial of 9 patients combined physical therapy with PoNS use. A larger, confirmatory trial was then funded in MS and smaller studies in stroke, Parkinson’s and traumatic brain injury (TBI) with similar success. In 2014, Helius Medical acquired Neuro-Habilitation, licensee of PoNS, to commercialize the device. Helius conducted FDA-authorized clinical studies in MS and TBI, and PoNS is now approved for TBI and stroke in Canada and for MS in the US, Canada and Australia.​