National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Releases Medtech Innovation Briefing on the Ekso GT Robotic Exoskeleton

RICHMOND, Calif., Jan. 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:EKSO), a robotic exoskeleton company, announced today the release by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) of a Medtech Innovation Briefing (MIB) on the Ekso GT robotic exoskeleton.  The MIB highlights the innovative aspect of Ekso Bionics' proprietary SmartAssist software, which differentiates the Ekso GT from other available wearable exoskeletons.   The MIB notes that SmartAssist technology allows physiotherapists to strategically target aspects of a patient's gait by providing different amounts of support to each leg, effectively personalizing the treatment for each patient's specific needs. Ekso Bionics is the first exoskeleton company to be selected for a MIB by NICE.

NICE is a non-departmental public body of the Department of Health in the UK that assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of health technologies to ensure that all British National Health System (NHS) patients have equitable access to the most clinically - and cost-effective - treatments.  MIBs, which are written after an evaluation process, complement existing NICE guidance by providing objective information on new and novel medical technologies as an aid to local decision-making by clinicians. The information provided in the MIB includes a description of the technology, how it is used and its potential role in the treatment pathway.

"The NHS in the United Kingdom is highly respected and is looked upon as a reference by many neighboring countries.  We are honored that NICE chose the Ekso GT as the first exoskeleton to be the subject of a Medtech Innovation Briefing," stated Thomas Looby, chief executive officer of Ekso Bionics. "We are thrilled with the findings and the support of the MIB and are optimistic about the impact it can have on the momentum for Ekso Bionics in Europe."

The MIB authors conducted a systematic review of existing evidence on multiple patient groups and noted that, while the evidence base was still limited, results indicated enhancement in walking speed and distance for patients who use the Ekso GT as a rehabilitation tool.  British specialist commentators who have used the device noted in the MIB that Ekso GT helps patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries improve mobility more quickly by providing a means for repetitive controlled practice and also noted that the capability for Ekso's SmartAssist software to apply different power to each leg might be particularly useful for stroke patients.  The MIB also points out that there were psychological benefits associated with users being able to stand and walk, which in turn could have a positive effect on their overall health.