Myomo selected as one of the finalists in the 2012 SBANE New England Innovation Awards
CAMBRIDGE, MA, April 9, 2012 – The Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE), sponsor of the New England Innovation Awards since its inception in 1986, proudly announces the 2012 Finalists. Myomo, Inc. was selected from 268 innovative companies to compete in the final phase of this competition.
Innovation is at the heart of economic prosperity and SBANE continues to recognize those companies that have transformed their innovative ideas into a product or service that delivers proven value to customers. Former winners come from varying fields such as technology, manufacturing, service (profit and non-profit), and retail/distribution. Winners include notable companies such as Staples, PictureTel, Ben & Jerry’s, Brooks Automation, Direct Tire, Genzyme, Nantucket Nectars, Imagitas!, Aurora Imaging Technology, and iRobot.
“We are honored to have been selected by SBANE to showcase our suite of products and technology” said Paul l R. Gudonis, chief executive officer, Myomo. “Myomo is helping stroke survivors and others affected by neurological and muscular conditions relearn muscle motion and regain quality of life, helping to regain independence and improve outcomes,”
Winners and Finalists of this prestigious award will be honored at the “Evening of Innovation” Gala Dinner on May 10, 2012 at the Westin Hotel, Waltham, MA. The keynote speaker for this Gala Dinner is David Friend, Chairman and CEO, Carbonite.
About SBANE:
The Smaller Business Association of New England, Inc. (SBANE), founded in 1938, is a private not-for-profit association of approximately 600 member companies located throughout the six-state region. SBANE was established to provide a legislative voice for small business at the state and federal levels and to make practical information available to help business owners grow their companies. SBANE runs diverse, educational programs each year and has active chapters in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The membership is characterized by a high degree of participation, reflected in a large and dynamic committee structure, addressing a range of topics from international trade to human resources.
About Myomo:
Myomo is a new generation medical device company that combines innovative technology with an advanced human machine interface to restore the ability to perform movements effectively among disabled individuals. Myomo's technology was originally developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with medical experts affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Our mission is to help restore independence for individuals who suffer from major dysfunction of an affected joint. The Myomo mPower has received marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is designed to enable individuals to self-initiate and control movement of partially paralyzed limbs using their own biological signals. Myomo’s product may be reimbursable for disabled individuals unable to perform fine and gross movements with their affected arm. For more information visit, www.myomo.com
Myomo, selling robotic devices to assist with stroke rehab, is engineering its own recovery
Posted by Scott Kirsner February 28, 2012 11:15 AM www.boston.com
Paul Gudonis seems to be engineering a miraculous recovery at Myomo, a Cambridge medical devicecompany that seemed to be on death's doorstep in 2009, when it laid off all but four employees.
The company makes software and wearable robotic braces that help people who have
suffered from strokes to recover the normal use of their arms. In 2004, it was the winner of MIT's high-profile business plan competition, and in 2007 it won a "best of what's new" award from Popular Science. But the company struggled to raise the money it needed to perfect the brace and win FDA approval, and like many fledgling device makers, it started off with an expensive product — $45,000 — that could only be used in a rehab clinic by specially-trained therapists.
Conceptually, the device is simple. "In over 85 percent of the patients we've screened, after the damage to the brain cells from the stroke, there is still a trace of signal in the muscle when someone is trying to move their arm," says Gudonis. A sensor on the Myomo mPower device tunes into those signals in the bicep and tricep muscles, and "we translate it into motion with the robotics. It's kind of like having power steering for your arm." While wearing the Myomo device, patients practice typical activities like picking up a cup or opening a door. After several years of using the device for rehab, some patients have "graduated out" of using the device, as their brain has created new neuronal pathways to replace those that were damaged in the stroke, Gudonis says.
Myomo won FDA approval for patients to use the device at home in 2010. (That version of the device costs $7500.) Gudonis was first an investor in the company, and then joined as chief executive last July. He'd previously been CEO of Centra Software and Genuity, a spin-out from BBN. He has been helping Myomo build a national sales force, and also raise its next round of funding of about $2 million. Without confirming the amount, Gudonis says, "Like other growth companies, we'll continue to look for growth capital." Also key to the company's success will be getting private insurers and Medicare to cover the cost of the mPower device. Those conversations are happening now, Gudonis says.
About 800,000 people suffer strokes in the U.S. each year. Gudonis says that as many as 500,000 of those may be able to benefit from the Myomo device.
The company now has 22 employees, up from four just a year ago. Last March, it received a $750,000 "accelerator loan" from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. A $200,000 National Science Foundation grant will enable Myomo, along with researchers at Carnegie-Mellon University, to develop "virtual coaching" software for a tablet computer. "The idea would be that you'd have an avatar who can coach you at home through the exercises you need to do each day," Gudonis says. "We also have some videogames in development that would keep people engaged with the device over time."
Late last month, Myomo received a visit from former Massachusetts governor Paul Cellucci. Cellucci revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Gudonis wouldn't comment on Cellucci's visit because of patient privacy regulations, but he did acknowledge that "we've started to work with a few ALS patients, helping them lift their arms so they can feed themselves." The Myomo device is already approved for use with patients who've suffered stroke or traumatic brain injury, as well as those who have cerebral palsy. In addition to ALS, Gudonis says the technology may also prove useful to people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
In addition to the current device, which only works on the elbow joint, the company may eventually develop other wearable robotic devices for other parts of the body, like the hand and leg, Gudonis says.
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MYOMO PARTNERS WITH AUSTERER HIGGINS PHYSICAL THERAPY TO OFFER POWERED ARM BRACE TO HELP PATIENTS REGAINARMMOVEMENT FOLLOWING STROKE
Myomo mPower restores arm movement resulting from stroke, brain injuries
CAMBRIDGE, MA, FEBRUARY 08, 2012 – Myomo, Inc., a new generation medical device company that combines innovative technology with leading rehabilitation expertise, today announced an agreement with Austerer Higgins Physical Therapy and Wellness in Portland, ME, to offer its mPower device to aid rehabilitation for stroke and brain injury survivors throughout Maine. The Myomo technology combines advanced technology and neuroscience in the mPower, the first portable, myoelectric upper limb orthosis (an orthopedic device that supports arm function) that uses biofeedback to help empower patients to re-engage weak muscles and restore movement. The Myomo device is used in clinical rehabilitation programs and is also prescribed as an assistive device for home use.
“Myomo is helping stroke survivors and others affected by neurological and muscular conditions relearn muscle motion and regain quality of life, helping to reclaim independence and improve outcomes,” said Paul R. Gudonis, chief executive officer, Myomo. “We are pleased to be working with Austerer Higgins Physical Therapy and Wellness to bring the Myomo mPower to patients in the Portland area, and throughout Maine.”
Myomo’s unique technology platform was developed at MIT in collaboration with experts from HarvardMedicalSchool. The company is applying its technology to enable individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke and brain injuries to re-engage weak muscles and restore movement. The Myomo technology received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in 2007.
Beginning in March, the Myomo mPower can be acquired at Austerer Higgins Physical Therapy and Wellness, where stroke survivors can receive personalized rehabilitation and instructions for home use. ”I am excited to begin offering the Myomo technology to our patients,” added Austerer. “With the mPower, we are seeing stroke survivors regain arm movement years after suffering a stroke and gives us an important new tool to help aid in stroke rehab and improve our patients’ quality of life.”
Austerer is a licensed physical therapist and Board certified in geriatrics. She was most previously with the VNA Home Health and Hospice inPortland. Prior, she was a physical therapist at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine atNYUMedicalCenterinNew York, and the New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland.
The Myomo device was recently named the 2011 Product of the Year by the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC).
About the Myomo mPower
The mPower, an upper limb functional orthosis, helps individuals with limited or abnormal arm motion caused by conditions such as stroke and brain injuries regain range of motion in their arms. It works by sensing the body’s own muscle activity, and helps weak or paralyzed arm muscles relearn motion. The device provides appropriate assistance to enable desired motion, allowing the patient to regain activities of daily living (i.e., lifting a glass to take a drink). The mPower addresses musculature deformities with a non-invasive human machine interface (HMI) that amplifies the weakened electrical signals in muscles in the arm, helping the patient to complete routine tasks. It is used at leading rehabilitation clinics around the country such as New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, Walter Reed Medical Center, Rehabilitation Institute ofChicagoandStanfordUniversityHospital.
Myomo has also developed thePERL(Push-Eat-Reach-Lift) Technique, evidence-based treatment plans to maximize outcomes with the mPower Mobility System device. The company is also developing mobile applications and virtual reality-based games to enhance therapeutic training and track and measure progress while using the device.
About Myomo
Myomo is a new generation medical device company that combines innovative technology with an advanced human machine interface to restore the ability to perform movements effectively among disabled individuals. Myomo's technology was originally developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with medical experts affiliated with HarvardMedicalSchool. Our mission is to help restore independence for individuals who suffer from major dysfunction of an affected joint. The Myomo mPower has received marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is designed to enable individuals to self-initiate and control movement of partially paralyzed limbs using their own biological signals. Myomo’s product may be reimbursable for disabled individuals unable to perform fine and gross movements with their affected arm. For more information visit, www.myomo.com
# # #
CBS, LA interviews Myomo patient David Karchem about his experience and succes in using the Myomo mPower.
Doctor Brings Robotic Device to Patients
Lisa Chamoff, Staff Writer
Updated 12:44 p.m., Monday, January 16, 2012
Since she suffered a stroke in March, Kathy Riordan’s left arm has been paralyzed. During a recent visit to Frederick Nahm, a Greenwich neurologist, Riordan, who lives in New Canaan, felt a jolt of surprise when, with a small movement of her biceps, she was able to bring her arm up to her chest. Riordan, 57, had been fitted with a neurorobotic arm brace that uses sensors to detect even the faintest muscle signals. In people with limited mobility, the device picks up those signals and allows them to move their arm further. The device, called the mPower 1000, was developed by a Cambridge, Mass.-based company called Myomo, which stands for “my own movement” ...docs/greenwich_article.pdf
MedCity News Deanna Pogorelc
3 cool health products you may have missed at CES 2012
Myomo Inc.
For patients who have lost mobility in their arms due to brain injury, stroke, MS or ALS, Myomo Inc. has developed the mPower 1000, a robotic arm brace with surface sensors that facilitates muscle rehabilitation. When combined with innovative software applications and games, the device can to help individuals with partially paralyzed arms regain function at home.
http://www.medcitynews.com/2012/01/3-cool-health-products-you-may-have-missed-at-ces-2012/
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Cella Communications
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MYOMO PRESENTING PERSONAL ROBOTICS AT CONSUMER ELECTRONICSSHOW; EXHIBITING IN CARNEGIE MELLON Quality ofLifeTechnology Center
Myomo product used to restore movement to disabled individuals is being showcased during Silvers Summit Techzone at CES
CAMBRIDGE, MA AND LAS VEGAS,January 12, 2012– Myomo, Inc., a new generation medical device company that restores movement to disabled individuals is showcasing its Myomo System technology that combines robotics and neuroscience to help empower individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis andALSto re-engage weak muscles and restore movement. The company will be presenting the Myomo technology during the Silvers Summit Tech Zone Talks (Thursday, January 12 at3:15 PM) on the Tech Zone Stage in the North Hall.
Myomo is also being featured at the Carnegie Mellon Quality of Life Technology (QoLT) Center exhibit (Booth #3011). The QoLT Center’s mission is to transform lives in a large and growing segment of the population – people with reduced functional capabilities due to aging or disability. The Center is working to create revolutionary technologies that will improve and sustain the quality of life for all people.
“Myomo is helping stroke survivors and others affected by neurological and muscular conditions relearn muscle motion and regain quality of life, helping to regain independence and improve outcomes,” said Paul Paul R. Gudonis, chief executive officer, Myomo. “We are honored to have been selected by the Carnegie Mellon Quality of Life Technology Center to showcase our suite of products and collaborate in bringing this innovative technology to more patients with disability.”
The Myomo device was recently named the 2011 Product of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC). It is prescribed as an assistive device for home use and is also used in clinical rehabilitation programs.
About the mPower Mobility System
The mPower Mobility System helps individuals with limited or abnormal arm motion caused by conditions such as stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis andALSregain range of motion in their arms. The mPower Mobility System is an upper limb functional orthosis used to address musculature deformities with a non-invasive human machine interface (HMI) that amplifies the weakened electrical signals in muscles in the arm, helping the patient to complete routine tasks. It works by sensing the body’s own muscle activity, and helps weak or paralyzed arm muscles relearn motion. The device provides appropriate assistance to enable desired motion, allowing the patient to regain activities of daily living (i.e., lifting a glass to take a drink).
Myomo has also developed the PERL(Push-Eat-Reach-Lift) Technique, evidence-based treatment plans to maximize outcomes with the mPower Mobility System device. The company is also developing mobile applications and virtual reality-based games to enhance therapeutic training and track and measure progress while using the device.
About Myomo
Myomo is a new generation medical device company that combines innovative robotics technology with an advanced human machine interface to restore the ability to perform movements effectively among disabled individuals. Myomo's technology was originally developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with medical experts affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Our mission is to help restore independence for individuals who suffer from major dysfunction of an affected joint. The Myomo mPower Mobiltiy System has received marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is designed to enable individuals to self-initiate and control movement of partially paralyzed limbs using their own biological signals. Myomo’s product may be reimbursable for disabled individuals unable to perform fine and gross movements with their affected arm. For more information visit, www.myomo.com
CBS New York HealthWatch with Dr. Gomez.
Dr. Gomez features the Myomo mPower device on one of his HealthWatch episodes on CBS NY Channel 2.
MYOMO HOLDS 2ND CE COURSE
Myomo held its second CE course covering Neuroplasticity in Moderate Stroke and the Role of the Myomo mPower Device on Friday October 27th in Cambridge, MA. Dr. Stephen Page presented to more than 30 attendees, ranging from Physical and Occupational Therapists to hospital and clinic administrators from institutions like Spaulding Rehabilitation, New England Rehabilitation Hospital and Genesis Healthcare.
Here are comments from some of the attendees:
"Overall well done and informative."
"Loved having actual clients to work on - made the information sink in so much better!"
"This course was probably one of the best courses that I have been to! Having actual patients to work with and assess was a very creative way to really understand how Myomo works. The speakers were excellent. This course was excellent! Thank you!"
If you are interested in attending our next CE course, we will be holding it in Chicago on December 17th at Rush University Medical Center. For further information, please contact Micaela at micaela@myomo.com.
MYOMO WINS PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM THE MASS HIGH TECH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL FOR ITS NEURO ROBOTIC DEVICE USED TO REGAIN ARM MOVEMENT
CAMBRIDGE, MA, OCTOBER 11, 2011– Myomo, Inc., a new generation medical device company that combines innovative robotics technology with leading rehabilitation expertise, has received the 2011 Product of the Year Award from the Massachusetts High Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC) for the company’s mPower Mobility System. The Myomo technology combines robotics and neuroscience in the mPower 1000 device, the first portable, robotic orthosis (an orthopedic device that supports arm function) that uses biofeedback to help empower patients to re-engage weak muscles and restore movement. The Myomo device is used in clinical rehabilitation programs and is also prescribed as an assistive device for home use.
Myomo’s unique technology platform was developed at MIT in collaboration with experts from Harvard Medical School. The company is applying its technology to enable individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and ALS to move again.
The Council selected Myomo as one of 15 finalists in the Product of the Year category. Products were displayed at the 14th annual MassTLC awards gala, which showcased the depth and breadth of the state’s vibrant technology ecosystem. Product of the Year was chosen by the nearly 500 senior executives in attendance, in a live vote via text message during the event. Finalists represented a wide array of technologies including software companies, mobile app developers, prosthetics and medical devices and Internet destinations.
“We’re honored to be able to give this award to Myomo,” said Tom Hopcroft, President and CEO of Mass TLC. “Myomo’s innovative technology and market leadership is testimony to the outstanding achievements by the individuals and organizations in Massachusettsthat are defining the future of the technology sector.”
“It is gratifying to have been selected by our peers to represent the innovative and cutting-edge work being done right here in Massachusetts. We thank the Mass Technology Leadership Council for this award,” said Paul R.Gudonis, chief executive officer, Myomo. “Myomo is helping stroke survivors and others affected by neurological and muscular conditions relearn muscle motion and regain quality of life, helping to advance patient care and improve outcomes. This recognition is an important milestone for our company.”
About the mPower Mobility System
The mPower Mobility System helps individuals with muscle weakness caused by neurological conditions such as stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and ALS regain range of motion in their arms. The mPower 1000 is an arm brace with a non-invasive human machine 
interface (HMI) that amplifies the weakened electrical signals in muscles in the arm, helping the patient to complete routine tasks. It works by sensing the body’s own muscle activity, and helps weak or paralyzed arm muscles relearn motion. The device provides appropriate assistance to enable desired motion, allowing the patient to relearn activities of daily living (i.e., lifting a glass to take a drink). Myomo has also developed thePERL (Push-Eat-Reach-Lift) Technique, evidence-based treatment plans to maximize outcomes with the mPower 1000 device. The company is also developing mobile applications and virtual reality-based games to enhance therapeutic training and track and measure progress while using the device.
About The Mass Technology Leadership Council
The Mass Technology Leadership Council, Inc. is the only business association that addresses the critical leadership issues of innovative technology and technology-enabled companies. The organization is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and promoting the success of companies that develop and deploy technology across industry sectors. The Mass Technology Leadership Council conducts educational programs, hosts industry events, facilitates networking, sponsors research, advocates in favor of technology policies that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and competition, and recognizes industry-leading companies and people. For more information, visit www.masstlc.org.
About Myomo
Myomo is a new generation medical device company that combines innovative robotics technology with leading rehabilitation expertise to revolutionize stroke therapy. Myomo's technology was originally developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with medical experts affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Our mission is to help restore independence for individuals who suffer from debilitating muscle weakness due to neurological conditions. The Myomo mPower Mobiltiy System has received marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is designed to enable individuals to self-initiate and control movement of partially paralyzed limbs using their own biological signals. With this capability, Myomo helps people relearn how to move affected muscles and restore movement to their arms. For more information visit, www.myomo.com