• Ethics Committee Approval from NHS’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
  • Partnership with East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, and Kent University

Rex Bionics Plc (AIM: RXB), is pleased to announce that the ethics committee of the UK NHS’s National Institute for Health Research has approved the start of a clinical trial to evaluate the use of the REX robotic mobility device in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The trial will be conducted at the Canterbury site of the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust under the direction of Dr Mohammed Sakel, Consultant and Director of the Neurorehabilitation service.

The trial, known as RAPPER III, is a trial to evaluate the feasibility and safety of using the REX Robot in rehabilitation for people with MS who have moderate to severe mobility restriction. The trial will recruit ten patients. The primary end-point is the completion of a transfer, stand, balance and walk rehabilitation programme over six weeks. The aim of the programme is to increase strength, improve balance-related skills and walking ability. There are a number of secondary end-points, including the Multiple Sclerosis Walking scale (MSWS-12) and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact scale (MSIS-29).

The first patient is expected to be recruited shortly, with preliminary data presented later in 2017.

Dr Mohammed Sakel, the Principal Investigator of the trial, commented: “We are optimistic about the REX’s potential for benefitting patients with multiple sclerosis. I am delighted to see the enthusiasm of our MS patients and the Charity Kent MS Therapy Centre”

Crispin Simon, Chief Executive of Rex Bionics plc added: “Our RAPPER II trial established the safety and feasibility of the REX in a single treatment. We are delighted that the specialists in Canterbury are now interested in exploring the use of REX in MS, and in a course of treatment over several weeks.”