Evidence

To be listed on the NHS Business Services Authority Prescription Services listing on May 1^st 2022, IQoro have gone through a meticulous evaluation. Both effectiveness and cost benefit has been evalutated and the evidence base includes:

• The DTA submission
• Scientific studies
• Bookchapters
• NHS Service Evaluation
• NICE MIBs

There is a sequence of internationally published papers that show the evolution from early research into neuromuscular treatment through to the evidence for IQoro in clinical studies in treating dysphagia, Hiatal hernia and other conditions. 

Read Scientific articles

Read a Summary of Studies

The following two book chapters were published in 2021 and provide detailed explanations of the neurology of the swallow and more.

• Introducing an Innovative Oral Neuromuscular Treatment of the Underlying Reason for Reflux Caused by Hiatus Hernia: An Aggravating Factor in Esophagitis
• Introducing IQoro: A Clinically Effective Oral Neuromuscular Treatment for Dysphagia

A Service Evaluation conducted by the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust and supported by the South West Academic Science Network specifically evaluated the suitability of IQoro in treating patients in NHS acute, in-patient rehab, and community settings.

A UK SLT has researched saliva control dysfunction in children and young people with Cerebral Palsy using practice-based evidence outcome measures.

In late 2018 the company submitted evidence to NICE that resulted in two Medtech Innovation Briefings (MIBs) being issued. These referenced IQoro as a treatment for dysphagia after stroke, and for treating hiatus hernia.

• IQoro for stroke-related dysphagia
• IQoro for hiatus hernia

These NICE MIBs, referenced in the NICE pathways, were early recognition of the promise of IQoro in treating reflux-based diseases and dysphagia, but do not reflect the current evidence status. They were concluded in late 2018 and published to the NHS in March 2019. Progress has been made since then.

For example, NICE pointed out the lack of a Randomised Control Study which has since been concluded and published. They also asked for a Service Evaluation of IQoro use in an NHS setting, which has since been completed by an Academic Health Science Network-funded study. Other reservations were also made.

The NICE MIBs are snapshots in time and not updated to reflect later evidence.