What is ARC-EX?
ARC-EX is a non-invasive spinal cord stimulation system developed by ONWARD Medical. It combines gentle electrical stimulation, delivered through electrodes placed on the back of the neck, with intensive activity-based rehabilitation.
Rather than repairing damage to the spinal cord, ARC-EX works by stimulating nerve pathways below the injury and encouraging them to respond more effectively during rehabilitation. For some people living with cervical spinal cord injury, this approach has been shown to improve hand and arm function, helping them regain greater independence in everyday life.
As research continues, ARC-EX is helping to reshape how we think about recovery after spinal cord injury, offering new possibilities alongside traditional rehabilitation.
ARC-EX Real World Programme
Spinal Research launched the ARC-EX Real World Programme, the first major initiative from the Spinal Research Recovery Alliance. Working with specialist rehabilitation centres across the UK, the programme is exploring how ARC-EX can be integrated into everyday clinical practice while gathering valuable real-world evidence to help shape future rehabilitation.
Find out more >How does ARC-EX work?
Following a spinal cord injury, some nerve pathways remain intact but no longer communicate effectively with the brain. ARC-EX delivers carefully targeted electrical stimulation to the spinal cord while a person carries out structured rehabilitation exercises.
The stimulation helps increase the responsiveness of these remaining pathways, making it easier for rehabilitation to reinforce existing connections. While ARC-EX isn’t a cure for paralysis, studies have shown that it can help some people achieve meaningful improvements in function when used alongside specialist rehabilitation.
Pathfinder2 Study
Want to explore the science in more detail? Watch our webinar exploring the Pathfinder2 trial and hear directly from the researchers behind the work.
What does the research tell us?
ARC-EX is supported by a growing body of clinical research exploring how spinal cord stimulation can improve function after spinal cord injury. One of the most significant studies to date is the Spinal Research funded Pathfinder2 clinical trial, which demonstrated encouraging improvements in hand and arm function for eligible participants.
ARC-EX in Research
Pathfinder2 – a groundbreaking UK study demonstrating that spinal cord stimulation technology can lead to meaningful recovery for people living with paralysis. In this trial, participants experienced significant improvements in upper body strength, trunk control, balance, and even hand grip and dexterity.
The Pathfinder2 Trial >Bringing ARC-EX to the UK
Groundbreaking technologies only change lives if people can access them.
That’s why Spinal Research launched the ARC-EX Real World Programme, the first major initiative from the Spinal Research Recovery Alliance. Working with specialist rehabilitation centres across the UK, the programme is exploring how ARC-EX can be integrated into everyday clinical practice while gathering valuable real-world evidence to help shape future rehabilitation.
Our Day at the Matt Hampson Foundation
Take a look at our day at the Matt Hampson Foundation where we saw the ARC-EX device being introduced.
Working together through the Recovery Alliance
The ARC-EX Real World Programme is part of the Spinal Research Recovery Alliance, an ambitious initiative bringing together researchers, clinicians, rehabilitation specialists and supporters to accelerate the delivery of function-restoring therapies. By helping promising innovations move beyond clinical trials and into everyday rehabilitation, the Recovery Alliance is bridging the gap between research and real-world impact.
Turning breakthroughs into real-world recovery
A historic initiative from Spinal Research is bringing hope to life for people living with paralysis. The Spinal Research Recovery Alliance unites paralysed people, scientists, clinicians and industry partners in a UK-first partnership to get proven spinal repair treatments from the lab to real-world recovery.
Spinal Research Recovery Alliance >ARC-EX news and developments
The end of 2024 marks a watershed moment for those paralysed after a spinal cord injury.
Read more >
ARC-EX in the media
ARC-EX has attracted attention as researchers continue to explore its potential. Chair of Spinal Research Tara Stewart and Matthew Reeve speak to Good Morning Britain about the results of the Pathfinder2 trial.
ARC-EX FAQs
Is ARC-EX a cure for paralysis?
No. ARC-EX is a rehabilitation technology designed to improve function for some people living with spinal cord injury. It does not repair the spinal cord or cure paralysis.
Does ARC-EX involve surgery?
No. ARC-EX is non-invasive and delivers electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin.
Who could benefit from ARC-EX?
Current evidence suggests ARC-EX may benefit some people living with cervical spinal cord injury when combined with specialist rehabilitation. Suitability is assessed by rehabilitation professionals.
Is ARC-EX available in the UK?
Access is currently limited to selected specialist rehabilitation settings while further evidence is gathered through programmes such as the ARC-EX Real World Programme.
How is Spinal Research involved?
Spinal Research is funding and supporting pioneering research into spinal cord stimulation, while helping to bring promising therapies into real-world rehabilitation through initiatives such as the Recovery Alliance and the ARC-EX Real World Programme.
What is the ARC-EX Real World Programme?
Onward Medical’s ARC-EX spinal cord stimulation system is the first dedicated treatment for a spinal cord injury approved by UK regulators. When paired with activity-based therapy, it’s been shown to increase arm and hand sensation and strength in people with incomplete cervical injuries.
It delivers targeted, programmed electrical stimulation to the spinal cord using electrodes placed on the back of the neck. Clinical trial results – including a UK trial funded by Spinal Research – have proved its potential to improve hand strength and sensation in people with an incomplete cervical spinal cord injury when combined with activity-based rehabilitation.
Our ARC-EX programme will test how this exciting technology works in real world settings to help inform treatment pathways and drive further research in this key area.
We’re targeting £120,000 in the first year to loan ARC-EX devices to four, approved rehabilitation centres who, in return, will provide invaluable data and feedback on outcomes with suitable clients over a 12-month period.
How does spinal cord stimulation work?
When somebody has a spinal cord injury (SCI), functions beneath the level of injury are affected, and yet the spinal cord itself and the nervous system are intact. They are just not receiving enough signal from the brain to activate a given movement or function.
Transcutaneous (through the skin) spinal cord stimulation excites the spinal cord so that signals weakened or interrupted by a SCI are able to drive movement and enable rehabilitation.
How much funding is being raised?
Can I access ARC‑EX?
Will ARC‑EX become more widely available?
That is the goal. This programme is an important step towards making ARC‑EX more widely accessible by building the evidence and case for broader use in rehabilitation settings.
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