NEW! 2025 ECRC Webinar Series on Industry Collaborations! Register Now for All Five Webinars!
This five-part webinar series is designed to highlight the collaborative efforts between clinicians, scientists, and industry professionals in the clinical translation of innovative spinal cord injury (SCI) treatments and technologies. This series aims to enhance and develop online educational resources that bridge the gap between industry, researchers, and clinicians, focusing on evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The series will provide an in-depth overview of the opportunities for collaboration across sectors in the SCI field. Each session will focus on the clinical translation of cutting-edge devices and therapies, with an emphasis on how these interdisciplinary partnerships drive innovation in SCI treatment and rehabilitation.
Part 1: Robotic Exoskeletons | April 25th, 2025
This session will explore the clinical translation of robotic exoskeletons, with a focus on collaboration between engineers, clinicians, and industry leaders. Presenters from Wandercraft will discuss ongoing clinical trials, the pathway to market, and key considerations for payer access.
Presenters:
Josh Breighner, PT, DPT, is the Reimbursement, Access, and Policy Manager for Wandercraft. He focuses on demonstrating the value of and improving patient access to innovative robotic exoskeleton technology. As a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, he believes strongly in the role of advanced technology in enhancing neurological rehabilitation. His transition to a “non-clinical” role has enabled him to apply his clinical and research experiences to the rapidly evolving exoskeleton industry, ensuring that this technology reaches those who need it most, while still keeping close ties to clinical practice. Additionally, Josh is the owner of Walk in New York by Wandercraft, a physical therapy practice in New York, NY. This practice utilizes Wandercraft’s innovative rehabilitation exoskeleton, Atalante X, as well as other advanced technologies, to improve patient outcomes.
Laure Bouché : As clinical engineer at Wandercraft, her role is to contribute to the design and execution of clinical studies essential for the deployment of Wandercraft’s exoskeletons. She initially worked on Atalante—Wandercraft’s rehabilitation exoskeleton, already in use in Europe and the U.S.—where efforts are focused on expanding its indications and demonstrating clinical benefits through the first randomized controlled trials. Now, she is also involved in the development of the Personal Exoskeleton, aiming to secure FDA clearance for individuals with spinal cord injuries at or above T6, as an initial indication. Before joining Wandercraft, she completed an engineering degree in France, with a specialization in biomedical sciences.
Part 2: Spinal Cord Stimulation | May 30th, 2025
In this session, Onward will highlight the collaboration between scientists and clinicians in the development of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation devices. Presenters will share insights from early trials and lessons learned as they navigate the clinical translation process.
Part 3: Respiratory Rehabilitation Devices | August 1st, 2025
Focusing on Liberate Medical, this session will delve into the collaborative efforts to improve pulmonary care for SCI patients. Presenters will discuss their non-invasive VentFree Muscle Stimulator, designed to prevent muscle atrophy and reduce ventilator dependency in adults requiring mechanical ventilation.
Part 4: Gene and Cell Therapies | October 3rd, 2025
This session will explore the clinical translation of gene and cell therapies. Presenters from Inteligex, Aspen Neuroscience, and the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics will discuss the critical role of collaboration between clinical and scientific teams in developing therapies like autologous neuron replacement and regenerative stem cell treatments for SCI.
Part 5: Pharma | December 5th, 2025
In the final session, NervGen Pharma Corp. will present its work on nervous system repair, focusing on the collaboration between clinicians, scientists, and industry leaders in the development of therapies for SCI. Presenters will share their experiences in navigating the clinical translation process, including insights from ongoing trials.
