Core Insights - The PoNS Therapeutic Experience Program (PoNSTEP) study demonstrates long-term benefits of PoNS Therapy for gait deficits in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) [1][2] - The study results were presented at the 2025 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, highlighting the importance of treatment adherence for achieving clinically meaningful improvements [2][3] Study Details - The PoNSTEP study is an open-label, observational, interventional multi-center research study assessing adherence to PoNS Therapy for gait deficits in MS patients [5] - The study involved 43 MS participants and was conducted at six Centers of Excellence across the United States [5] - The primary endpoint is the maintenance of gait improvement from the end of supervised therapy to the end of unsupervised therapy, with secondary endpoints including maintenance of improvement over six months [5] Treatment and Mechanism - PoNS Therapy combines the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) device with physical therapy, applied for 100-120 minutes per day [5][7] - The PoNS device delivers mild electrical impulses to the tongue and is indicated for short-term treatment of gait deficits due to mild-to-moderate MS symptoms [7][8] Clinical Impact and Recognition - The study provides the first clinical trial evidence of PoNS Therapy's long-term benefits for functional rehabilitation in the MS population [3] - There is growing recognition of PoNS Therapy's direct effect on the central nervous system and its targeted mechanism of action compared to other interventions [3] Reimbursement and Access - Helius Medical Technologies has successfully obtained initial reimbursement from federal and private payers, which is expected to lower barriers to prescribing PoNS Therapy [4] - The company is actively engaging with health insurance providers to expand access to PoNS Therapy for all individuals with MS [3][4]

Core Insights - Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. will present the final results of the PoNSTEP study, which confirms the efficacy of the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) device for improving gait in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) [1][2] - The study highlights a statistically significant relationship between adherence to PoNS therapy and improvement in gait, indicating that consistent use leads to sustained benefits [3][4] Study Overview - The PoNSTEP study was a three-phase, real-world therapeutic experience designed to evaluate the impact of adherence on gait deficits and long-term outcomes in MS patients [3][8] - Participants underwent two weeks of supervised therapy, followed by 12 weeks of combined clinic and at-home use, concluding with a six-month follow-up to assess the durability of improvements [3][9] Key Findings - Stronger adherence to PoNS therapy resulted in better therapeutic outcomes, with highly adherent participants achieving over 6 points improvement in their Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) scores during the first 14 weeks [4][5] - More than 95% of participants maintained their level of improvement six months post-treatment, demonstrating the durability of the therapy's effects [5][7] Clinical Implications - The study provides evidence of the effectiveness of neuromodulation and neuroplasticity in rehabilitating gait deficits in MS patients, marking a significant advancement in treatment options for this population [7][10] - PoNS therapy is now accessible through insurance via the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, with some commercial healthcare providers beginning to reimburse the device [7][12] About PoNS Device - The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) is a non-implantable device that delivers neurostimulation through a mouthpiece, used in conjunction with physical rehabilitation exercises to improve balance and gait in MS patients [12][14] - The device is indicated for short-term treatment of gait deficits due to mild-to-moderate MS symptoms and is prescribed for patients aged 22 and older [12][13]