Helius Medical Technologies and US Army Research Laboratory Launch Additional PoNS® Research

NEWTOWN, Pa., Jan. 24, 2018 -- 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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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”).

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