Onward Medical: First ARC-IM System Implant in EIGER Clinical Study
Neurotech company Onward Medical has performed the first implant of its ARC-IM system in a new clinical feasibility study. Called EIGER, it aims to evaluate mobility restoration following spinal cord injury, including for patients in the subacute phase.
EIGER Expands Target to Subacute and Chronic Injuries
Onward Medical announced on September 3, 2026 the first implant performed as part of the EIGER clinical feasibility study, designed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of the ARC-IM system to support recovery of standing and walking following spinal cord injury.
The study is planned to include up to 12 participants divided into two cohorts: individuals with subacute injuries, occurring less than six weeks before enrollment, and individuals with chronic injuries, occurring more than one year before enrollment.
According to the company, EIGER is Onward's first mobility study to include individuals with subacute injuries.
A Study Conducted in Switzerland to Prepare a Pivotal Trial
The study is conducted in Switzerland, at the Schweizer Paraplegiker-Zentrum in Nottwil and at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois in Lausanne. The first procedure was performed at CHUV under the direction of Jocelyne Bloch, Chief of Neurosurgery. EIGER benefits from funding from Innosuisse.
The ARC-IM system combines Onward's implanted neurostimulator and the ARC-IM lumbar electrode, designed to activate spinal circuits involved in movement of the lower limbs and trunk. According to Dave Marver, Chief Executive Officer of Onward Medical, the study is intended to guide the design of a pivotal trial aimed at enabling market approval of this therapy.
The company is developing the ARC-IM platform for multiple indications, including Parkinson's disease. The system is also being evaluated in the global Empower BP pivotal study for its initial indication targeting blood pressure instability following spinal cord injury.
