We are very proud to have funded the Pathfinder2 trial – 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 trial
The Pathfinder2 trial combined external spinal cord stimulation – where electrical pulses are delivered through the skin – with activity-based rehabilitation. Gains made did not plateau, even after a year, demonstrating the therapy offers long-term benefits.
The peer-reviewed study, published in Neuromodulation: Technology at Neural Interface used ONWARD Medical’s ARC-EX Therapy and involved 10 participants who completed 120 sessions at a Neurokinex Centre.
Read more >What the trial found
Participants showed measurable improvements in:
- Upper body strength, trunk control, and balance
- Hand grip and dexterity (in some cases, restoring key daily functions)
- Lower body function, including muscle activation and movement
- Bowel and bladder sensation, profoundly improving independence
Pathfinder 2
Watch the video featuring insights from researchers and participants in the Pathfinder2 trial. Learn how this innovative technology works and its potential to improve the lives of people with a spinal cord injury.
Participant stories
Claire Trivedi, a mother-of-two from London, took her first unsupported steps during the trial. It was an emotional moment – and one she never thought would happen after suffering a spinal cord injury in 2017. Claire’s journey is just one of several inspiring stories emerging from this study.
Similarly, Dan Woodall from Rainham, Kent, gained some control of his bowel and bladder function, commonly impacted by a spinal cord injury, as well as improved leg strength and movement – gains that continue well beyond the trial’s duration.
Claire’s Story
Taking part in the Pathfinder2 trial enabled Claire to take her first unsupported steps in an emotional moment she never thought would happen.
Dan’s Story
Use of the stimulation device during the Pathfinder2 study managed to access and stimulate the sensory nerves in Dan’s bladder and bowel.
Sarah’s Story
Taking part in Pathfinder2 greatly improved her upper body strength, triceps function, core balance and hand grip and dexterity.
What this means
The positive outcomes from the Pathfinder2 trial reaffirm our belief that function-restoring treatments are not only possible, but that significant progress towards a cure for paralysis could be made over the next decade IF we get proper investment.
In December 2024, the ONWARD ARC-EX System was approved by the US FDA for use in clinical settings for hand strength and sensation. Home use authorization in the US for this first-of-its-kind therapy is anticipated later this year. The Company plans to seek CE Mark certification to commercialize the ARC-EX System in Europe in 2025.
The UK regulatory framework is still evolving which present both challenges and opportunities. We are actively engaging with the MHRA and working with ONWARD Medical to explore every avenue that could expedite approval in the UK.
Pathfinder2 FAQs
How does spinal cord stimulation therapy 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, 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.
What is ARC Therapy?
ONWARD Medical ARC-EX Therapy is designed to deliver targeted, programmed stimulation of the spinal cord to restore movement and other functions in people with spinal cord injury.
What is the ONWARD ARC-EX System?
● The first and only system approved for non-invasive spinal cord stimulation for people with SCI. The ARC-EX System is indicated to improve hand sensation and strength for people with a chronic cervical SCI and can be used in the clinic to enable personalized functional rehabilitation.
● The System is comprised of a stimulator that delivers electrical pulses to the cervical spinal cord via electrodes placed on the skin at the back of the neck. A programmer allows clinicians to personalize the therapy according to each individual’s needs.
● The ARC-EX System was selected as a TIME Magazine Best Invention in 2024.
● Last December, it received FDA approval for use in US clinics, in conjunction with functional task practice.
When will the ONWARD ARC-EX System be available in the UK?
● ONWARD Medical plans to seek CE Mark certification to commercialize the ARC-EX System in Europe this year with authorization expected by the end of 2025.
● Spinal Research are talking to the regulatory bodies and working closely with ONWARD to ensure this promising therapy is available to paralysed people in the UK as quickly and safely as possible.
Who are ONWARD Medical
● 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).
What is the relationship between Spinal research and ONWARD Medical?
● Spinal Research has a close relationship with ONWARD, having been an early investor and funder of the Pathfinder2 pilot study.
● Spinal Research are a co-founder of SCI Ventures, the world’s first philanthropic venture capital fund to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative treatments for spinal cord injuries and an investor in ONWARD.
● The charity continues to work closely with the company in further research trials and developments
What does Neurokinex do?
Neurokinex is a specialist rehabilitation centre offering activity-based rehab for people with neurological injuries, including spinal cord injury. It focuses on promoting functional recovery, independence and long-term wellbeing
Our Chair Tara answers your questions
Tara Stewart, Chair of Spinal Research took some time to answer a few of the most asked questions about the Pathfinder2 trial, and what it means for people with paralysis.
Our Commitment
At Spinal Research, we are driven by our mission to find a cure for paralysis. Our funding of studies like Pathfinder2 is a testament to our commitment to advancing research and providing hope to the spinal cord injury community. The potential of combining innovative technology with personalised rehabilitation offers real promise – a future where paralysis is no longer permanent.
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