RXB.L Regulatory News (RXB)

21 January 2015

Rex Bionics plc

("Rex Bionics" or the "Company")

 PhysioFunction uses REX Technology at Facility of Spinal Cord Injury Charity, Aspire

Rex Bionics plc (AIM: RXB), the pioneer of the REX Robot technology that enhances the mobility of wheelchair users is pleased to note the successful demonstration of Robot Assisted Physiotherapy (RAP), utilising REX technology, by Physiofunction Ltd, at the Aspire Leisure Centre in Stanmore on January 15th.

Aspire is a national charity that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury. Physiofunction is one of the UK's leading providers of specialist hands-on Neurological Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Technology services.

During the demonstration, London-based film producer Nicholas Fearon successfully walked with the support of the REX robot. Mr Fearon battled back from life threatening injuries sustained in an accident 11 years ago.

Following the event, an appeal to raise funds to purchase a REX device for use at the spinal cord unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore has been launched. The online fundraising page for the appeal can be found here.

During Robot-Assisted Physiotherapy (RAP), REX lifts patients from a sitting position into a robot-supported standing position, allowing them to take part in a set of supported walking and stretching exercises designed by specialist physiotherapists.

Wheelchair users are at risk of developing numerous medical complications from extended periods of sitting. By enabling them to spend more time standing, walking and exercising, REX may offer significant health benefits, including improved cardiovascular performance, maintenance of joint range, and a reduction in infections.

Jon Graham, Chief Executive of PhysioFunction, said: "Rehabilitation programmes which utilise exoskeletons are extremely effective in managing secondary complications for wheelchair users when compared with conventional methods. REX offers additional benefits to patients over other exoskeletons because it allows patients to retain the use of their hands and upper body during treatment."

Brian Carlin, Chief Executive of Aspire said "We were delighted to host the Rex Bionics and PhysioFunction event at Aspire. Every eight hours in the UK someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury. Aspire provides practical help to spinal cord injured people across the UK, helping them move from injury to independence. We are therefore excited to be able to support Physio Function's Robot Assisted Physiotherapy with REX which can help disabled people to maximise their independence." 

Nicholas Fearon, the first person to use REX at Aspire said "Standing and walking again in REX felt weird and wonderful but natural at the same time. It's fantastic to be back at eye level with everyone again".

Ends 

For further information please contact:

Rex Bionics Plc

Crispin Simon, Chief Executive Officer

+44 (0) 781 086 6386

Peter Worrall, Chief Financial Officer

+44 (0) 142 864 5416

Oriel Securities Limited (NOMAD and Broker)

Juliet Thompson/Jonathan Senior

+44 (0) 20 7710 7600

Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott / Jessica Hodgson / Chris Welsh / Lindsey Neville

rexbionics@consilium-comms.com

+44 (0) 203 709 5700

About Rex Bionics plc

Rex Bionics (AIM: RXB) is the AIM-listed pioneer of the REX Robot that enhances the mobility of wheel-chair users. Founded in Auckland, New Zealand by two robotics engineers with first-hand experience of wheelchair users and their needs, Rex Bionics is working with physiotherapists to develop the practice of Robot-Assisted Physiotherapy (RAP). In a session of RAP, REX lifts patients from a sitting position into a robot-supported standing position, allowing them to take part in a set of supported walking and stretching exercises, designed by specialist physiotherapists. 

Wheelchair users are at risk of developing numerous medical complications from extended periods of sitting. By enabling them to spend more time standing, walking and exercising, REX may offer significant health benefits, including improved sleep, cardiovascular performance, maintenance of joint range, and a reduction in common abdominal problems and prescription drug use. A programme of clinical trials is now under way to evaluate these potential benefits. 

REX is used by people with complete spinal cord injury, as well as people who have suffered a stroke or other traumatic brain injury; and people with multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. REX P, for use in the home, enables users to walk and stand with their hands free - providing more work and recreation options. 

In May 2014, Rex Bionics joined AIM with a fundraising of £10 million (gross) to scale up production, distribution and marketing internationally, in order to support growing demand for both REX products as well as developing the next generation of REX devices, REX 3.

REX is not approved for At-Home use in the United States of America.

PhysioFunction (www.physiofunction.co.uk)

For more than 10 years PhysioFunction have been helping people maximise their independence following life changing events such as stroke, head injury, spinal injury and other neurological conditions by providing specialist physiotherapy.

PhysioFunction works with its clients on a one-to-one basis in clinics across the UK or in their homes, with the aim to help maximise people's independence in everyday life.

PhysioFunction have a specialist interest and expertise in rehabilitation technology. They offer a range of state of the art rehabilitation technology, much of which is not available on the NHS. For many individuals, these technologies can speed up recovery or even be the solution to long-term functional challenges.

For further information please contact 01327 842 321 or email rehab@physiofunction.co.uk

Aspire (www.aspire.org.uk)

Aspire is a national charity that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury, supporting them from injury to independence.

Aspire's services include: Aspire Grants, Aspire Housing, Independent Living, Welfare Benefits Advice, Assistive Technology, Campaigning and Research.

For further information please contact Laura Haynes, Communications Manager at Aspire, on 020 8420 8957 or email laura.haynes@aspire.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1075317