UPDATE: PoNS available via new website; Patient Therapy Access Program Continues
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a device that provides electrical pulses to the tongue for use along with physical therapy as a short-term treatment for mild to moderate walking (gait) problems in people with. The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS
® Helius Medical Technologies, Inc.) generates electrical pulses to stimulate nerves in the tongue, and in turn the brain, to treat motor deficits.
The device is intended to be used by prescription only as an adjunct to a supervised therapeutic exercise program in people aged 22 and older.
- Difficulty in walking -- also known as problems with gait -- is a common symptom experienced by people living with MS.
- The PoNS device is a non-implantable device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to the tongue, and is used during visits with a physical therapist. It consists of a controller and a mouthpiece that are connected to each other by a cord. The mouthpiece is held in place by the lips and teeth. The control unit is worn around the neck and sends electrical signals to the mouthpiece for approximately 20 minutes, connecting with nerves on the surface of the tongue to send impulses to the brain. These signals are then transmitted to muscles involved in walking. The therapist can connect the control unit to a computer, to provide information on areas for improvement.
- The FDA evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the PoNS device through two small clinical trials and based on data from “real world” use in rehabilitation settings. In one study, 20 people with MS and gait deficits used the PoNS device or a sham device that did not deliver stimulation. Gait measures improved significantly in the PoNS group, but not the control group. In the second study in 14 people with MS, the ability to maintain posture improved significantly in the PoNS group, but not in the sham group.
- People with oral health problems, other neurodegenerative diseases, chronic infectious diseases, unmanaged high blood pressure or diabetes, pacemakers, or who are pregnant should not use the device.
Read more from the FDA
Update on availability/price:
Helius Medical Technologies has launched an e-commerce site with the telehealth company UpScript, where Americans experiencing issues with gait can obtain the PoNS device. The platform provides for 1) online health evaluations with qualified medical providers, 2) fulfillment of prescriptions required for PoNS Therapy and 3) shipping of PoNS devices directly to the homes of eligible individuals in the United States.
Visit this site at
www.ponstherapy.com.
Device buyers work with a trained physical rehabilitation therapist in-person for the first two weeks of therapy. Helius can guide individuals to trained therapists, or a therapist seeking training can obtain it from Helius online and free of charge. For the following 12 weeks users continue the therapy at home, under their therapist’s supervision.
Patient Therapy Access Program: The purchase price for the PoNS device is $14,500. Helius is offering people with MS the opportunity to join a Patient Therapy Access Program, which would enable those who qualify to purchase the PoNS device for $3,895. Individuals can enroll in the Patient Therapy Access Program by contacting Helius and providing the following:
- Letter of medical necessity from doctor
- Confirmation of MS Diagnosis
- Prescription
Originally launched in June 2022, this program was slated to expire at the end of last year. and is now active until June 30, 2023. This program is not considered financial aid and therefore there are no income requirements or restrictions.
If you require further financial assistance after consulting with the Helius Patient Therapy Access Program, please contact
an MS Navigator from the National MS Society. The Navigator will discuss this request and ask for further information to determine eligibility. This assistance will not cover the full cost of the device, but a Navigator also can assist in finding additional resources.
For more information about the PoNS device or the Patient Therapy Access Program, please contact Helius Medical Technologies at 1-877-564-0008 or
inquiries@heliusmedical.com.