Vivos Therapeutics, Inc. announced a brand new clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its proprietary DNA appliance (daytime-nighttime appliance). The FDA 510(k) clearance for the DNA appliance as a Class II device gives rise to a completely new treatment regimen for mild-to-moderate OSA. Making this development even more meaningful is that the DNA device for palatal expansion is Vivos' longest standing appliance with the widest use among Vivos-trained dentists, which Vivos anticipates will now increase the ease of adoption of the DNA for treating OSA.

Current modalities for the treatment of OSA include: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Approximately 50% of patients discontinue use of CPAP because it is uncomfortable to wear and cumbersome to transport, not to speak of the loud noise that disrupts partner. mandibular advancement devices (MAD).

Some people have issues using appliances that move the jaw forward causing temporomandibular joint pain and discomfort. surgical intervention, including hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy. Many people simply do not want to undergo anesthesia or the cost of a surgical procedure.

With the latest FDA clearance achieved, the DNA appliance offers a new treatment regimen (when combined with associated protocols that are a part of The Vivos Method) which opens the airway by expanding the palate and training the tongue to rest in proper position and converts patients to nasal as opposed to oral breathing. Unlike other treatments, The Vivos Method is differentiated in that it addresses the root cause of snoring and/or OSA in many patients. While the appliance is effective by itself, it can also be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities such as, myofunctional therapy or CPAP.

The clinical data submitted to the FDA as part of the clearance process for the DNA included pre- and post-treatment Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) scores obtained with no appliance in the mouth, demonstrating that: 28% of patients had their OSA resolved; 63% of patients improved by one AHI classification (i.e., severe to moderate, moderate to mild, or mild to no OSA); 86% of patients improved their airway size; 97% of patients increased the width of their palate which allows the tongue to rest in proper position, thus avoiding a potential airway obstruction. In a study of patient satisfaction with DNA treatment, 97% of patients achieved the desired outcome, while 98% of patients were highly satisfied or very satisfied and likely to recommend the treatment to a friend. Another benefit of this new treatment is that results are typically long-lasting post treatment and may result in permanent improvement.

Unlike treatments with CPAP or MAD, where the AHI measurements must be taken during active use of the device to show improvement, Vivos DNA efficacy measurements were taken without the device in the mouth. Other non-surgical treatments for OSA, such as CPAP and traditional oral appliances, require lifetime nightly use in order to maintain efficacy. The DNA appliance has been marketed for several years for orthodontic treatment such as expansion of the jaw and positioning of teeth in adults and children and is still available to be used for those applications.

The 510(k) clearance for the DNA represents the third FDA clearance Vivos has received for its oral appliances and the first clearance explicitly recognizing Vivos' proprietary core technology. Previously, the FDA approved Vivos' mRNA (mandibular Repositioning Nighttime Appliance) and mmRNA (modified mandibular Nighttime Appliance), which are both FDA Class II devices used in the treatment of mild-to-moderate OSA and/or snoring in adults. However, prior FDA clearances were based on those devices' mandibular advancement feature sets, even though the core Vivos technology was also incorporated into those appliances.

Vivos believes its patented appliances and related proprietary protocols offer significant advantages over existing OSA treatments.