RICHMOND, Calif., May 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:EKSO), a robotic exoskeleton company, announced today that three new studies were presented over the weekend by respected researchers from Bergmannstrost Center in Germany, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami (UM) Miller School of Medicine, and Mt Sinai Hospital in New York. The Company believes these studies are indicative of the growing level of interest in exoskeletons as an effective tool for over ground ambulation and gait training.
In a first study conducted by the Miami Project, three of three subjects with chronic complete SCI (AISA), reported a reduction in pain severity over the study period. Jochen Kressler, Ph.D., Lead Investigator for the Miami Project studies said: "In the initial 3-subject case series on people with complete spinal cord injuries, our senior investigators undertook a survey approach of several body systems and complications to examine where the bionic exoskeletons might benefit health and function. Study participants were able to walk in the device - upright and weight bearing - at slow but comfortable speeds for up to 1 hour without undue fatigue. Improvements were seen for pain severity and markers associated with cardiometabolic disease. These are now being pursued in follow-up investigations."
Dr. Mark Nash, Principal Investigator for the Miami Project and Professor of Neurological Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine at the UM Miller School of Medicine added, "We are encouraged by our early study findings and experiences, and are now seeking ways in which to expand benefits of bionic ambulation for both human performance and prevention of secondary medical complications accompanying SCI."
In a study at Bergmann Center study measuring quality of life, patients reported their pain was reduced from walking in an Ekso Bionics™ exoskeleton. The Company believes pain reduction is a particularly meaningful benefit when one considers a possible correlating reduction of medication and side effects. The Bergmannstrost Center also reported a reduction in spasticity and an overall improvement in quality of life. All 13 subjects stated that the ability to stand and walk over ground again had a definite positive effect in mental wellbeing. As the study described, "To be able to approach someone at eye level and literally be able 'to look someone in the eye' again was often described as incredible."
Research institutes including Kessler Foundation, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Research Center have previously reported positive preliminary clinical results. These new studies add to a growing body of evidence showing the benefits of rehabilitation with exoskeletons with no adverse effects reported. These additional studies are important for Ekso Bionics because not only do they validate some of the previously hypothesized benefits, they allow them to make more direct claims to the benefits of being upright and walking in an Ekso GT™ suit. Additionally, the Bergmannstrost and Mt Sinai study protocols had both paraplegia and incomplete tetraplegia patients using Ekso Bionics' exoskeleton. Ekso GT is currently the only device where this variety of assist is possible and the Company believes this feature is a significant differentiator for use in rehabilitation centers and clinics.
Ekso Bionics designs, develops, and commercializes exoskeletons, or wearable robots, which have a variety of applications in the medical, military, industrial, and consumer markets. Exoskeletons are ready-to-wear, battery-powered robots that are strapped over the user's clothing, enabling individuals to achieve mobility, strength, and endurance not otherwise possible. Ekso Bionics' lead product, Ekso TM , is a wearable bionic suit that enables individuals with any amount of lower extremity weakness to stand up and walk over ground. Ekso is forging a new frontier in rehabilitation for people living with the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions affecting gait.
About Ekso Bionics
Since 2005, Ekso Bionics has been pioneering the field of robotic exoskeletons, or wearable robots, to augment human strength, endurance and mobility. The company's first commercially available product called Ekso has helped thousands of people living with paralysis take millions of steps not otherwise possible. By designing and creating some of the most forward-thinking and innovative solutions for people looking to augment human capabilities, Ekso Bionics is helping people rethink current physical limitations and achieve the remarkable.
Ekso Bionics is headquartered in Richmond, CA and is listed on the OTC QB under the symbol EKSO. To learn more about Ekso Bionics please visit us at www.eksobionics.com
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Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans or objectives relating to the design, development and commercialization of human exoskeletons, (ii) a projection of income (including income/loss), earnings (including earnings/loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, (iii) the Company's future financial performance and (iv) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in points (i), (ii) or (iii) above. Such forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events or circumstances and may not be realized because they are based upon the Company's current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control over. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the inaccuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, the Company's inability to obtain adequate financing, the significant length of time and resources associated with the development of our products and related insufficient cash flows and resulting illiquidity, the Company's inability to expand the Company's business, significant government regulation of medical devices and the healthcare industry, lack of product diversification, volatility in the price of the Company's raw materials, existing or increased competition, results of arbitration and litigation, stock volatility and illiquidity, and the Company's failure to implement the Company's business plans or strategies. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in the Company's filings with the SEC, including, the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2014 and the Company's latest Form 10-Q filed on May 13, 2014. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.
Media Contact: Heidi Darling, Marketing Manager Phone: 415.302.4777 Investor Contact: Lauren Glaser, Vice President Phone: 646.378.2972
