# Phase 2 study of the NNP for Grasp and Trunk in SCI: IDEG140225-11-13-2014

> **NIH FDA R01** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $20,206

## Abstract

The goal of this Phase II Orphan Products project is to implement and evaluate the first
multi-functional fully-implanted neuroprosthetic system for individuals with SCI. This study
represents the first stage towards whole-body restoration of motor function for these patients. In
this study, we will implant a novel modular neuroprosthetic system, the “Networked
Neuroprosthesis” (NNP), to provide grasp, reach, and trunk function for individuals with SCI at
the C5 through C7 motor level. With this system, we propose that subjects will regain control
over multiple functions, including grasp opening and closing, overhead reach, bed mobility,
seated posture stability, and side-to-side reach. This study involves all aspects of the
implementation, including the implanted technology, the surgical installation, and the outcomes
assessment through a coordinated team approach in order to maximize the functional
independence gained by the individual.
 The NNP system is the first fully implanted neuroprosthesis that includes implantation of
all power, signal processing, biopotential signal recording and stimulating components. This
eliminates the requirement of having to wear any external components taped to the skin in order
to gain motor function, which has been a requirement of all motor neuroprostheses for SCI to
date. The functional implications of this feature is numerous: the ability to utilize the
neuroprosthesis during bathing and swimming, improved ability to control both the hand, arm,
and trunk simultaneously, capacity to utilize the neuroprosthesis in the middle of the night, and
the ability to use the stimulated functions without any donning assistance. We expect that these
advances will lead to increased regular use of the neuroprosthesis, with a subsequent positive
impact on quality of life.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9762578
- **Project number:** 5R01FD005409-04
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** KEVIN L. KILGORE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** FDA
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $20,206
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-09-15 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9762578

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9762578, Phase 2 study of the NNP for Grasp and Trunk in SCI: IDEG140225-11-13-2014 (5R01FD005409-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9762578. Licensed CC0.

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