A World First: a Solution to Restore Movement for Chronic Stroke Survivors
Based on a decade of pre-clinical and clinical research by Co-Founder Dr. Marco Capogrosso, Reach Neuro was founded as a solution to overcome motor deficit caused by neurological diseases and disorders. Along with Dr. Capogrosso–who stands as a world-leading authority on the use of spinal cord stimulation for motor restoration–are Co-Founders Dr. Marc Powell, Dr. Doug Weber, and Dr. Peter Gerszten who came together at the University of Pittsburgh, when Dr. Weber recruited Dr. Capogrosso to start his lab in the Department of Neurological Surgery.
Upon Dr. Powell’s recruitment to join the team as a post-doc after receiving a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Brown University, a clinical trial was begun to investigate the effects of spinal cord stimulation on upper limb paralysis as a result of chronic stroke; and with unprecedented results in the very first patient, who, by the end of the study was able to cut and eat a steak on her own for the first time in 9 years, a feat she had aspired to accomplish at the outset of her study. In November of 2021, the team formed Reach Neuro as a licensed spinout of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University in order to translate the technology into the clinic.
So what exactly is Reach Neuro? Reach Neuro has developed a breakthrough technology to directly restore hand, arm, and shoulder movement for stroke survivors. Stroke damages the connection between brain and spine, and thus weakens the brain’s ability to control movement. Reach Neuro’s approach targets the spinal cord, where the neurons for movement of the shoulder/arm/hand reside. An electrode array is then implanted in the cervical spinal cord, where an implanted pulse generator delivers a personalized stimulation protocol. Small electrical pulses are precisely delivered to re-awaken the nervous system giving back limb control to the patient. Therapy is then custom-tuned, ensuring that optimal stimulation is delivered for each unique patient.
So, what does this mean for patients? The initial clinical study is now complete with 7 participants having received the therapy with groundbreaking results. The trial performance showed immediate and lasting improvement in motor control, with a clear reduction in spasticity for trial patients; 6 of 7 demonstrated reduction in spasticity, with 4 in 7 demonstrating improvement in motor control. This makes Reach Neuro the only therapy to demonstrate direct restoration of motor control and reduction in spasticity. And for patients, this has far-reaching implication for the daily lives of those living with chronic stroke.
How Reach Neuro and NEMIC Have Partnered
In mid-2024, the company moved its principle research and development activities to New England where it plans to build their product, the Avantis Neuromodulation Platform, which has already been recognized as a Breakthrough technology by the FDA. Through mutual ecosystem ties in Rhode Island and Brown University, Dr. Marc Powell and NEMIC became connected in 2024. After introductory meetings, Reach Neuro was selected to be featured in NEMIC’s 2024 HealthTech Pitch Night & Showcase, where Rhode Island’s most innovative startups took the stage to present their healthcare solutions. Reach Neuro participated in the pitch competition portion, where they were voted people’s choice taking home the 1st Place cash prize of $3,000. Reach Neuro was also featured this past January in the inaugural 2025 RILSH Neuroscience Symposium.
Reach Neuro is currently preparing for a secondary, broader clinical study which seeks to follow patients for a year using the therapy evaluate the further benefits of pairing stimulation with rehabilitation. In addition, the Startup is also working towards developing a beta version of their programming software, which will help to automatically personalize stimulation to each patient's specific needs. As Reach Neuro continues to refine its technology and move toward wider clinical adoption, the company is poised to redefine treatment possibilities for stroke survivors and individuals with motor impairments worldwide.
