SPINAL TREATMENT TEST IN REAL WORLD
The Matt Hampson Foundation has been chosen to host a pioneering programme to real-world test a groundbreaking spinal cord injury treatment.
The ARC-EX system is the first dedicated treatment for paralysis approved by UK regulators. Developed by Onward Medical, it combines targeted electrical spinal cord stimulation with rehabilitation exercises to help restore strength, movement and independence.
Clinical trials have shown the ARC-EX system can improve hand and arm strength and sensation in tetraplegics with chronic spinal cord injuries.
Spinal Research, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to curing paralysis, is working with selected specialist rehabilitation centres to look at the real-world impact of this exciting technology. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, it is providing the ARC-EX system on loan to three approved centres including the Matt Hampson Foundation over a 12-month period. A fourth is being funded in partnership with the Injured Jockeys’ Fund.
Real-world impact
This will be used with a range of clients with spinal cord injuries alongside their normal activity-based therapy. Data around outcomes and user experiences will provide invaluable real-world insights to help shape further research and best practice.
The programme is the first example of the charity’s new strategic Recovery Alliance in action, bringing together researchers, clinicians, industry and charity partners to speed up progress from the lab to real-world impact.
Spinal Research chief executive Louisa McGinn, who visited the Matt Hampson Foundation for launch of the programme, said: “The next five years present an unprecedented opportunity to change what’s possible for people living with spinal cord injuries.
“Breakthrough therapies are nearing clinical reality, and frontier technologies – from AI and robotics to gene therapy – are creating bold and quicker new pathways toward repair and recovery.
Powerful research
“At this pivotal moment, the programme launched today is an important first step in the creation of a network of community rehabilitation centres which will connect research and industry innovators to real-world outcomes.
“It’s a key element of our Recovery Alliance in which we’re also building powerful clinical research and digital platforms that bring people with spinal cord injuries together with researchers and clinicians.”
The Matt Hampson Foundation’s Get Busy Living Centre near Melton Mowbray is the programme’s trailblazer.
The Foundation was created by Matt Hampson to inspire and support young people following life-changing injury in sport following his own experience when he was paralysed from the neck down in a rugby training accident aged just 20. The charity provided physical and emotional rehabilitation, wellbeing, mentorship and community support from its Get Busy Living Centre and further support at a network of regional hubs around the country.
Expertise and experience
Matt said: “We always aim to be innovative and pioneering in the support we provide our beneficiaries so we are delighted to be selected for participation in this programme with Spinal Research. It is rewarding to be selected to work alongside teams with different expertise and experiences, all trying to develop treatments which could make such a difference to someone with spinal injury.”
Further rehabilitation centres in Yorkshire, the North-East and South-West will soon join the programme and Spinal Research is launching a major fundraising campaign to expand its reach nationwide.
Real progress
Every two hours, someone in the UK is paralysed following a spinal cord injury. It can happen to anyone at any time with devastating consequences for them and their families.
Louisa McGinn added: “We have been part of Onward’s journey from the start and it’s incredible to see that hope is now turning into real progress. The message is clear: if we get the funding, the next few years could change everything for people with spinal cord injuries.
“And today is an example of how we are building a national force for change. The UK can become the first country in the world to create a connected, data-driven spinal repair ecosystem turning research breakthroughs into real-world recovery which will transform the treatment and rehabilitation landscape for paralysed people in the UK.”
