NEWTOWN, PA — Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSDT) announced its Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS®) device has been approved for inclusion on Lovell Government Services’ Veterans Affairs (VA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) and General Services Administration (GSA) Advantage contracts. This approval facilitates purchases by the VA and other federal entities at pre-approved pricing.
The contract, #V797D-50450, allows the VA to buy PoNS through its FSS Medical Equipment and Surgical (Med/Surg) Contract and via the GSA Advantage online catalog. The PoNS system is priced at $23,843.72, while the PoNS mouthpiece costs $7,344.97. In the U.S., PoNS is approved as a short-term treatment for gait deficit in adults with mild-to-moderate symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) when used with physical therapy.
The VA estimates that between 55,000 and 70,000 veterans in the U.S. live with MS.
“We’re proud that PoNS is now available to veterans and federal employees under the VA Healthcare System,” said Dane Andreeff, President and CEO of Helius. “PoNS is the only portable and readily accessible therapy that may lead to neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to modify, change, or adapt in response to modulation of brain activity, making PoNS Therapy® a game changer for those affected by MS.”
Andreeff emphasized that the inclusion on the FSS Med/Surg and GSA Advantage marketplace will provide quicker access to the therapy for those suffering from gait or balance impairment. “We are grateful for our partnership with Lovell and the opportunity to not only establish Helius as a preferred provider but, more importantly, get PoNS into the hands of the veterans and Federal employees who need it the most,” he added.
The PoNS Device and Its Impact on Veterans and Beyond
This development is significant for several reasons. First, it enhances access to advanced therapeutic options for veterans who suffer from MS, a condition that affects thousands. The PoNS device’s potential to facilitate neuroplasticity means it could lead to substantial improvements in quality of life for these individuals.
Furthermore, the approval highlights the ongoing efforts to integrate innovative medical technologies within the VA healthcare system. By including PoNS on the FSS and GSA schedules, the VA ensures that cutting-edge treatments are available to those who have served the country, reflecting a commitment to providing high-quality care.
From a broader perspective, this move could encourage other healthcare providers to explore similar technologies, potentially driving advancements in the treatment of neurological conditions. The integration of such devices into mainstream healthcare could lead to new standards of care, benefiting a wider range of patients beyond the veteran community.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, the adoption of devices like PoNS signals a shift towards more personalized and effective treatment options, promising a better future for those living with chronic conditions.
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