Innovative medical device, clinically proven to reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis, supported by the MedTech Funding Mandate policy

An innovative medical device clinically called Apos®, proven to reduce pain in patients who suffer from knee osteoarthritis (OA), is now recommended by NICE and will be backed by the MedTech Funding Mandate (MTFM) from April 2024.

MTFM is an NHS Long Term Plan commitment to get selected NICE-approved cost-saving devices, diagnostics and digital products to NHS patients more quickly.

Apos® was identified via the national front door for innovation in 2021, then, following a collaborative approach clinical review by NHS Supply Chain’s category and innovation teams, the product was made available via NHS Supply Chain in October 2021. Clinical and procurement teams have worked extensively over this period, piloting this value-based procurement at trust level, bringing clinical and stakeholder expertise to the fore. Concurrently, this product underwent NICE guidance and became a recommended option in April 2023. Following this, Apos® was selected for MTFM policy which will be launched from 1 April 2024.

Knee pain relating to OA affects 5.4 million people in the UK. Currently there is no standard treatment pathway for managing patients with knee OA. Patients are offered a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological options such as exercise, weight loss, pain relief and walking aids. If symptoms worsen, affecting quality of life, surgery is the last resort.

One of the key benefits of the Apos® trainer is that it can reduce pain and improve joint function, delaying the need for surgery by 3-5 years.

Apos® supports patients within the current care pathway and is recommended by NICE for knee OA patients who meet the criteria for joint replacement surgery, have not responded adequately to core therapies and currently prefer not to have surgery.

This benefits trusts by:

• Providing significant cost savings per patient when compared with standard care if knee surgery is delayed by five years.
• Reducing patients’ pain score.
• Improving patients’ function.
• Improving patients’ overall experience and quality of life.

My overall experience of Apos treatment is thoroughly positive. My life is completely different to what it was before I tried the boots. I can now walk for many miles a day, playing golf twice a week without pain in my knees. I’m able to sleep at night. I’m able to walk the dog without using a stick and the benefits to my mental health and wellbeing have been immense.

Sue Field, Patient

In clinical trials, the addition of Apos® showed consistent results over a three-year basis, with 74% of patients avoiding surgery, 83% of patients reporting a 50% reduction in pain and 98% of patients recommending the device to friends and family.

Working alongside NHS Supply Chain and the Med Tech Funding Mandate, we are reshaping orthopaedic care. Apos not only enhances patients’ lives and improves mobility but also offers a vital alternative for those seeking to avoid surgery. This innovative approach is not just transforming patient care but also showcasing substantial potential cost savings within the NHS, making Apos a valuable addition to knee pain treatment options.

Sachin Gohil, Chief Commercial Health, AposHealth

We are really excited to be working collaboratively with APOS® and the Health Innovation Network. Combining our collective clinical and procurement expertise alongside our combined customer networks, will really help to bring this product to life, improving the lives of the patients using this shoe.

Marc Naughton, Clinical Engagement and Implementation Manager, NHS Supply Chain

Clinicians at NHS Supply Chain are passionate about driving forward innovative technology and delivering improvements to patients’ lives.

NHS providers and commissioners are encouraged to review NICE MTG76 and contact NHS Supply Chain to understand the benefits of adopting Apos® as well as other MTFM supported technologies.

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Notes to editors

All information in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.

More Information

NICE guidance – https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mtg76

MedTech Funding Mandate – https://www.supplychain.nhs.uk/programmes/product-innovation-medtech-funding-mandate/

About NHS Supply Chain

NHS Supply Chain is part of the NHS family and manage the sourcing, delivery and supply of healthcare products, services and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales.

We manage more than 8 million orders per year across more than 129,000 order points and over 16,000 locations. We deliver over 35 million lines of picked goods to the NHS annually and our systems consolidate orders from over 1100 suppliers. This enables us to bring value to our NHS partners, helping them save time and money in removing duplication of overlapping contracts.

NHS Supply Chain aims to leverage the collective buying power of the NHS to drive savings and provide a standardised range of clinically assured, quality products at the best value.

NHS Supply Chain is committed to enabling the NHS to deliver safe and excellent patient care.

Supply Chain Coordination Ltd (SCCL) is the company at the heart of NHS Supply Chain. It provides oversight and operational management for NHS Supply Chain and its service providers. 

SCCL is the legal entity through which NHS Supply Chain undertakes its procurement services and transacts with customers and suppliers.

Whilst its shares are owned by NHS England, SCCL is a separate organisation.