NEWTOWN, Pa., Jan. 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. (TSX:HSM) (TSX:HSM.WT) (OTCQB:HSDT) (“Helius” or the “Company”), a medical technology company focused on neurological wellness, announced that together with the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL), it has executed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) establishing a platform for collaborative research programs. Subsequently, Helius and ARL executed a Joint Work Statement (JWS) launching a research program to investigate Helius’ Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) for the enhancement of cognitive, emotional and physical readiness and response through mindfulness and meditation training.

The US Army Research Laboratory conducts a broad program of fundamental research within its Human Sciences S&T Campaign. A major emphasis of the program is identifying and advancing novel techniques and technologies that can improve cognitive, emotional and physical performance to provide new capabilities for maximizing soldier readiness and response.

Currently, ARL is studying the use of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) among soldiers and veterans. ARL researchers have found that individuals who complete MBSR training often achieve results that can positively affect a soldier’s readiness, attention, energy, and vigor as well as decrease stress, symptoms of PTSD, and sleepiness - a top priority of General Mark A. Milley, Chief of Staff of the Army.

Dr. Jonathan Sackier, Chief Medical Officer at Helius commented, "We are delighted to be collaborating with Dr. Valerie Rice and the team at the Army Research Laboratory and are looking forward to launching the collaborative investigation into whether the PoNS can augment the effects of MBSR training. Addressing issues such as post-traumatic stress and sleep disorders is a major problem not only in the military, but the civilian population in the wake of terrorist attacks, natural and other disasters."

"Partnerships with companies like Helius Medical Technologies are exactly the kind of exciting opportunities that we have envisioned with ARL's Open Campus initiative," added Kelvin S. Oie, ARL's Senior Campaign Scientist for the Human Sciences. "Open Campus relationships allow us to work together with innovative researchers and developers, both in industry and academia, to rapidly advance new capabilities that will help our soldiers, today and tomorrow.”

About PoNS® Treatment

The Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) is an investigational, non-invasive, medical device designed to deliver neurostimulation through the tongue. Clinical research has shown that electrical stimulation of the tongue, translingual neurostimulation (TLNS), activates two major cranial nerves – the trigeminal nerve and the facial nerve. Electrical stimulation of these cranial nerves creates a flow of neural impulses that are then delivered directly into the brain stem and cerebellum. PoNS Treatment combines the use of the PoNS device with physical therapy. The Company has completed its clinical trials for balance disorder in patients with mild to moderate Traumatic Brian Injury (TBI) and plans to submit applications for marketing authorization in the US and other jurisdictions for the PoNS device in the first half of 2018. Additional trials in multiple sclerosis, stroke and cerebral palsy have shown promising results and provide support for pursuing additional indications for use. 

About Helius Medical Technologies, Inc.

Helius Medical Technologies is a medical technology company focused on neurological wellness. Helius seeks to develop, license and acquire unique and non-invasive platform technologies that amplify the brain’s ability to heal itself.  Helius intends to file for FDA clearance of the PoNS Device. For more information, please visit www.heliusmedical.com. 

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Cautionary Disclaimer Statement:

Certain statements in this news release and to be made in this morning’s presentation are not based on historical facts and constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”).

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release and in this morning’s presentation are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding ongoing or planned clinical research, expected future development timelines, regulatory submissions and approvals or other business initiatives and objectives.

Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “estimate” “intend” and similar expressions.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include the failure of the Company to achieve its business objectives and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release and this morning’s presentation are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Risks and uncertainties about the Company’s business are more fully discussed in the Company’s disclosure materials, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulators and which can be obtained from either at www.sec.gov or www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release and to be made on this morning’s presentation are made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such statements except to the extent required by law.

HELIUS CONTACTS:

Investor Relations: 
Josh Berg, 415-205-7891
info@heliusmedical.com

Media Contact:
inquiries@heliusmedical.com