NEWTOWN, PA — Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSDT) has announced a new partnership with Lovell Government Services, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, to provide its Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS®) device to federal healthcare systems. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in making advanced MS treatments accessible to veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The PoNS device, approved in the U.S. for the short-term treatment of gait deficit in adults with mild-to-moderate MS symptoms when used alongside physical therapy, represents a novel approach to managing some of the debilitating effects of MS. Gait deficit, or difficulty walking, is a common and challenging symptom of MS, impacting the independence and quality of life of many who suffer from this neurological condition.
Dane Andreeff, President and CEO of Helius, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential impact. “With over 28,000 cases of MS reported annually to the VA, our collaboration with Lovell could significantly improve the lives of veterans by offering them access to PoNS Therapy,” Andreeff stated. He highlighted the encouraging results from real-world studies, where all MS patients involved showed clinically meaningful improvements in their gait after 14 weeks of PoNS Therapy.
Chris Lovell, Major, USMC (Ret.), and CEO of Lovell Government Services, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with cutting-edge medical resources. “Veterans deserve the best care for their sacrifices, and introducing PoNS to the VA’s healthcare system aligns with our commitment to improving veterans’ health outcomes,” Lovell remarked.
To illustrate the transformative potential of PoNS Therapy, Helius shared the story of Kevin Byrne, a retired U.S. veteran whose struggle with MS since 1999 severely impacted his mobility and, consequently, his ability to engage in activities with his daughter. After undergoing treatment with PoNS, Byrne experienced significant improvements in walking speed, endurance, and distance, allowing him to once again enjoy outings with his daughter that he thought were no longer possible.
The partnership between Helius and Lovell Government Services stands as a beacon of hope for veterans dealing with MS. By integrating innovative treatments like PoNS into the VA’s comprehensive care framework, it opens new avenues for enhancing the quality of life for those who have served the country. As this collaboration unfolds, it offers a promising example of how private sector innovation and public healthcare services can come together to address complex health challenges faced by veterans.
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