Ottobock Signs Distribution Agreement With Myomo

Ottobock, a market leader in technical orthopedics, and Myomo, Inc., a manufacturer of myoelectric orthotics, have reached an agreement for Ottobock to exclusively distribute the Myomo patented MyoPro orthosis technology globally, starting with select markets in North America and Germany.

The MyoPro is a custom orthosis, based on technology developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It has been proscribed to help support and restore function for people who have a paralyzed arm because of a stroke, spinal cord injury, nerve damage or progressive conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Ottobock was established in 1919 in Germany and entered the United States and Canadian markets in 1958 and 1978. Ottobock is currently in its third generation as a privately held company.

Myomo, Inc. is a medical robotics company that provides myoelectric-controlled, powered braces that support weakened extremities. The company’s myoelectric orthotics have been prescribed to help support a limb and restore function by enabling individuals with various neurological conditions to self-initiate and control movement of their partially paralyzed limbs using their own muscle signals. The Myomo technology was also developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in collaboration with medical experts affiliated with Harvard Medical School. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“Ottobock is committed to providing orthotic solutions to drive successful patient outcomes and meet the needs of the orthotist, ” said Chris Nolan, vice president of orthotics for Ottobock North America. “Our partnership with Myomo will enable Ottobock to address the unmet needs of individuals with upper extremity paralysis with the MyoPro orthotic product line. We look forward to providing this innovative technology to help people maintain or regain their freedom of movement.”

“We are very pleased to enter into this agreement with Ottobock, a leader in the field of orthotics and prosthetics, so that we can broaden distribution of the MyoPro product line in the U.S. and in international markets served by Ottobock. We are often contacted by clinicians and patients from around the world seeking our devices to overcome their paralysis, and we now have a partner who can assist us in helping these individuals to return to work, live independently, and reduce their healthcare costs, ” said Paul R. Gudonis, CEO of Myomo.