Overview

• Research teams from the University of Calgary, EPFL and the University of Lausanne reported results in Nature and Nature Medicine from four studies involving 14 participants at centers in Canada, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
• Once activated, the implant restored blood pressure to a functional range within minutes and reduced dangerous episodes linked to autonomic dysreflexia.
• Participants reported meaningful benefits such as more energy, clearer thinking and fewer hypertensive spikes during daily activities.
• The system uses new spinal electrode arrays connected to a pacemaker‑like pulse generator with individualized settings and app control, leveraging commonly used implant technology.
• Developer ONWARD Medical received FDA approval to initiate a pivotal trial expected to enroll patients across roughly 20 neurorehabilitation and neurosurgical centers in Canada, Europe and the United States.