Better sleep is better health, period. But for many people, it’s not that easy.
Innovative medical technology company Vivos Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VVOS) is helping people to sleep better through its revolutionary diagnostic and treatment methods. Focused on addressing breathing and sleep issues stemming from dentofacial abnormalities, the company offers a beacon of hope for individuals dealing with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring in adults.
According to the American Medical Association, nearly 40 million people in the United States have sleep apnea, but only one in three – around six million – are actually diagnosed with the condition. OSA is a chronic disease that increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and depression.
A breath of fresh air
Colorado-based Vivos has a noninvasive, nonsurgical, nonpharmaceutical, and cost-effective solution for patients grappling with mild to moderate OSA. With its proven efficacy demonstrated in over 40,000 patients treated worldwide by more than 1,800 trained dentists, The Vivos Method is gaining traction as a game-changer in sleep apnea treatment.
The Vivos Method comprises personalized oral appliances and unique clinical treatments that form a multidisciplinary approach administered by Vivos-trained dentists and healthcare practitioners. Contrary to lifelong CPAP machine usage or invasive surgeries, patients typically undergo The Vivos Method for 12 to 24 months, with great potential to achieve substantial airway improvement.
Recently, the company made headlines by announcing two strategic agreements set to expand its current product line of oral appliances tailored to treat breathing-related sleep disorders. The collaborations have not only propelled the company's shares to skyrocket by almost 100% but are also anticipated to create near-term revenue opportunities.
Vivos' strategic partnership with Ormco, a division of Envista Holdings Corporation, is a significant leap forward. The partnership integrates Envista’s Spark Clear Aligners into Vivos' product offerings, ensuring enhanced treatment outcomes for patients. The collaboration is expected to expedite treatment times and boost clinical outcomes, underscoring the potential for positive transformations in the lives of those suffering from sleep disorders.
Additionally, Vivos has joined forces with On Demand Orthodontist (ODO), enhancing the capabilities of Vivos providers by granting them direct access for case collaboration with airway-focused orthodontic specialists, optimizing clinical outcomes for the patients of Vivos trained providers. The preference for Spark Aligners by ODO orthodontists underscores the clinical advantages of this partnership and the potential to revolutionize the treatment landscape for patients with compromised airways.
Global reach
In another strategic move, Vivos Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VVOS) has also expanded its reach to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through an exclusive distribution agreement with Dubai-based Noum. This collaboration marks a pivotal milestone for the company, broadening its horizons and tapping into an untapped market. Noum, a reputable distributor of healthcare products in the MENA region, has been granted exclusive distribution rights for Vivos products and services across several countries.
"We've actually been in negotiations for that distribution agreement for about a year and a half now. This has been underway for quite some time, and we're very enthusiastic about it,” CEO Kirk Huntsman told Proactive.
Since 2020, Noum has held exclusive distribution rights for the SleepImage sleep apnea home diagnostic tool in the MENA region, aligning with Vivos' distribution of SleepImage diagnostic products in the United States and Canada.
Huntsman sees substantial demand in the MENA region and a keen interest in sleep apnea and overall health and wellness.
“The economic and demographic factors support the viability of these solutions. We're genuinely excited about the potential of this venture. The expected regulatory hurdles don't appear to be significant,” Huntsman said.
The company is anticipating seeing revenue generation in certain MENA countries by the end of this year or early next year.
Pioneering research in sleep apnea
Alongside revenue opportunities, Vivos is continuing to expand its research into sleep apnea. The company is running a clinical trial at the prestigiously acclaimed Stanford Medicine to test its DNA appliance for moderate to severe OSA against the industry-standard CPAP treatment. The trial, set to begin in early 2024, aims to establish Vivos' appliance as a vital component of OSA care plans, particularly following the recent FDA 510(k) clearance for mild-to-moderate OSA treatment in adults, which is the first ever for an oral medical device of this type.
Huntsman told Proactive that the trial is a “watershed moment.”
“The enthusiasm from both our team and Stanford is palpable,” Huntsman said. “The steady stream of research publications from Stanford's team on Vivos technology further propels our momentum, hinting at a bright future for our advanced stand-alone technology.”
Vivos continues to push the boundaries of medical innovation and expand its global footprint. With a strong foundation in innovative technology and strategic partnerships, the company is advancing the treatment landscape for individuals battling sleep-related breathing disorders, enhancing their quality of life and setting new standards in healthcare.