Ottobock is set to become the exclusive distributor of the new FES generation from Bioness as the company’s strategic partner. Based in California, Bioness is the leader in the field of functional electrical stimulation (FES) technologies. Ottobock, which is headquartered in Germany and the global market leader in prosthetics, is also expanding its portfolio in the Orthotics business area with this move.

The company already offers its own FES product, the MyGait®, for stroke patients with dorsiflexor weakness. This product activates the muscles that lift the foot using electrostimulation of nerves on the surface of the skin, resulting in a more dynamic and natural gait pattern. The patient does not need to concentrate on every step and the risk of stumbling is significantly reduced. Additional walking aids are often no longer needed at all, and the threat of immobility in a wheelchair can be avoided.

With the addition of the Bioness products, Ottobock’s portfolio is now expanding to include further surface stimulators for the feet and hands. “Thanks to our partnership with Bioness, we are developing to become an FES specialist and enhancing opportunities for further technological developments. The expanded portfolio also makes us a single-source provider of integrated fitting solutions for our customers,” said Frank Bömers, Global Head of Orthotics at Ottobock.

The business area is thereby pursuing its strategy of focusing on core issues such as strokes, back pain and osteoarthritis and selectively expanding its product range. The company’s range of rehabilitation products had already been expanded to include preventive products for sports with the integration of the Rehband brand in October of 2016. It has now found its ideal partner for mobilising products in Bioness, systematically expanding the NeuroOrthopedics business segment.

“Our partnership with Ottobock opens up significant opportunities for both organisations,” said Todd Cushman, President & CEO of Bioness. “Our role as technological leaders in the area of functional electrical stimulation combined with Ottobock’s resources, reputation and market reach creates a very powerful synergy.”

Ottobock will serve as the exclusive distributor for the entire Bioness portfolio to medical supply companies starting in September of 2017. The focus is on customers in the EU, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Turkey and India.