Helius Medical Announces Results from a Case Series of Subjects with Advanced MS

NEWTOWN, Pa.--()--Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. (TSX: HSM, HSM.S, OTCQB: HSDT) ("Helius" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of a case series of individuals with advanced symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treated with PoNS™ Therapy.

This study was performed at TCNL1, University of Wisconsin, Madison and the data was presented at the 2016, Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC).

Six subjects with advanced MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)2 scores ranging from 6.5 to 7.5) were enrolled in a six-month pilot study. Subjects were trained in PoNS™ Therapy which combines use of the prototype PoNS™ device with physical training in balance, gait, movement and postural stability. Results demonstrated improvements in physical, cognitive and quality of life parameters. The demanding training regimen also resulted in significant real life improvements such as re-adopting a walker for community mobility, decreased fatigue, increased independence with daily activities, overcoming physical obstacles at home and increased community access.

“Those with greater functional ability at the beginning of the study (EDSS 6.5-7.0) made the most significant gains but all subjects could be qualified as improved. The intervention shows promise to prolong functional ambulation and independence with daily activity,” said Principal Investigator Mitch Tyler.

In a separate MS Pilot study, sponsored by Helius (see press release November 2, 2015), the average EDSS score of the subjects was 4.5, while the average in this subject pool was 7.0. In applauding the efforts of the TCNL investigators, Helius CEO Phillippe Deschamps noted, “The patients in this study represent a much more challenging cohort and received PoNSTM Therapy for a longer period (6-months vs. 14-weeks), yet compliance remained high. The outcome is very encouraging.”

1)

The TCNL is the Tactile Communications and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. The PoNS™ was developed at TCNL and licensed to a Helius subsidiary.

 
2) EDSS is a measure of MS disease severity where 0=normal and 10=death.

About PoNS™ Therapy

The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS™) is an investigational non-invasive device designed to deliver neurostimulation through the tongue. PoNS™ Therapy combines the use of the device with physical therapy and is currently being evaluated in a multicenter clinical trial for the treatment of balance disorder for subjects with mild to moderate Traumatic Brain Injury.

About Helius Medical Technologies, Inc.

Helius Medical Technologies is a medical technology company focused on neurological wellness. Helius seeks to develop, license and acquire unique and non-invasive platform technologies that amplify the brain’s ability to heal itself. Helius intends to file for FDA clearance for the PoNS™ device. For more information, please visit www.heliusmedical.com.

The Toronto Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

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Contacts

Helius Medical Technologies
Corporate:
Brian Bapty, +1 604-652-3950
bbapty@heliusmedical.com
or
Investors:
778-588-7144
info@heliusmedical.com
or
Media:
Becky Kern, 914-772-2310
media@heliusmedical.com

Contacts

Helius Medical Technologies
Corporate:
Brian Bapty, +1 604-652-3950
bbapty@heliusmedical.com
or
Investors:
778-588-7144
info@heliusmedical.com
or
Media:
Becky Kern, 914-772-2310
media@heliusmedical.com