Blue Arbor Technologies has raised $10.5 million in Series A funding to advance its RESTORE Neuromuscular Interface System, a platform designed to improve prosthetic control for people with limb loss. The round was led by strategic partner Ottobock, a global provider of prosthetics, neuro-orthotics, and wearable human bionics.
Blue Arbor plans to use the financing to complete feasibility studies, pursue an FDA Investigational Device Exemption to support U.S. clinical studies for the RESTORE external sensing unit, and begin development of the platform’s fully implantable internal sensing unit.
The RESTORE System is designed to enable independent and simultaneous control of the fingers, wrist, and elbow. Blue Arbor said the technology is intended to provide greater dexterity, speed, and reliability while improving control of advanced prosthetic devices.
The company is developing two versions of the platform. The external sensing unit is being evaluated in feasibility studies, while the internal sensing unit is being developed as a fully implantable next-generation interface that will integrate into the same RESTORE platform.
Blue Arbor has completed two human implantations to date. The company recently reported a successful second-in-human procedure using the RESTORE external sensing unit at the Medical University of Vienna.
The RESTORE System has also been selected for use in a University of Michigan clinical study supported by a UG3 grant from the National Institutes of Health. The study will compare the effectiveness of surface electrodes with implanted electrodes for prosthetic control.
The platform has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation and has been accepted into the FDA’s Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program Pilot.
Blue Arbor is focused on creating a direct connection between a patient’s peripheral nervous system and a robotic prosthetic limb, with the goal of enabling more intuitive and precise control.
The company is based in Grass Lake, Michigan, and is developing the technology for people with limb loss seeking greater functionality from advanced prosthetic systems.
KEY QUOTES:
“Blue Arbor’s technology has the potential to set a new standard in prosthetic control. This investment reflects our approach to deploying capital in areas that complement our core business and offer significant long-term growth potential. Together, we aim to translate pioneering research into scalable solutions that deliver meaningful value for people with limb loss.”
Oliver Jakobi, CEO Of Ottobock
“This funding is a testament to the team, the science, and the patients driving this work. With two successful human implantations thus far, we are looking forward to helping more patients through our collaboration with Ottobock. This is a pivotal moment for Blue Arbor and for the field of prosthetic control — we are closing the gap between where the technology is today and where it needs to be for the millions of people living with limb loss.”
Tod Borton, CEO Of Blue Arbor Technologies
“We have been extremely impressed with the results of these initial surgeries, particularly how quickly and naturally patients have adapted to the technology. As doctors, it is our onus to provide solutions to improve our patients’ lives and with the RESTORE System we have been able to bring intuitive hand movement back to those who never thought they’d experience it again.”
Prof. Oskar Aszmann, Director Of The Center For Bionic Extremity Reconstruction At The Medical University Of Vienna
