ONWARD on the verge of entering the U.S. Federal Health Market

ONWARD® ARC Therapy, which can be delivered by external ARC-EXTM or implantable ARC- IMTM systems, is designed to deliver targeted, programmed spinal cord stimulation. Positive results were presented in 2023 from the Company’s pivotal study, called Up-LIFT, evaluating the ability for transcutaneous ARC Therapy to improve upper extremity strength and function. The Company is now preparing regulatory approval submissions for ARC-EX for Europe and the US.

The startup has signed a two-year distribution agreement with Lovell Government Services (Lovell), a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), providing it access to the United States Veterans Health Administration, the world’s largest healthcare system providing spinal cord injury care, and the US Department of Defense Military Health System, the world's largest military healthcare provider. Under the agreement, Lovell will add ONWARD therapies to its relevant federal contracts once those technologies are authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for sale in the United States. The addition of ONWARD therapies to Lovell’s federal contracts is expected to provide the Company with rapid access to the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), General Services Administration (GSA), Distribution and Pricing Agreement (DAPA), and Electronic Catalog Contract (ECAT).

The ONWARD field sales team will conduct all sales and training activities, while Lovell will serve as the exclusive federal vendor and procurement partner for the Company. The parties have also signed a separate agreement for Lovell to serve as the third-party logistics partner for ONWARD federal and commercial sales in the United States.

“This partnership with ONWARD is a meaningful step forward in our mission to support and serve Veterans and individuals living with injuries," said Chris Lovell, CEO, Lovell Government Services. “By collaborating with ONWARD, we are not only able to enhance our portfolio and provide access to cutting-edge medical technology, but we are also contributing to the well-being and independence of those who have served our country."

This partnership marks an important step for ONWARD, since nearly 45,000 US military Veterans have a spinal cord injury. “Our newly forged relationship with Lovell allows us to provide Veterans with rapid access to our breakthrough therapies once they are cleared for commercial sale by the FDA,” said Dave Marver, CEO of ONWARD. “We are also delighted to partner with a Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned Small Business that is both highly capable and strongly aligned with our mission.”

(Press release)