IP and technology acquisition is expected to be highly accretive and to advance Lifeward’s position as a diversified biomedical innovation companyWill Expand Lifeward’s portfolio beyond lower-limb solutions, creating a differentiated, whole-body neuro-rehabilitation portfolio Will Strengthen long-term strategic networks with neuro-rehabilitation prescribers, rehabilitation networks, and payers HUDSON, Mass. and YOKNEAM ILLIT, Israel, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lifeward Ltd. (Nasdaq: LFWD) (“Lifeward” ...

Reverse split initiated as Lifeward enters strategic partnership agreement and repositions as MedTech innovation companyHUDSON, Mass. and YOKNEAM ILLIT, Israel, Feb. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lifeward Ltd. (Nasdaq: LFWD) (“Lifeward” or the “Company”), a global leader in innovative medical technology designed to transform the lives of people with physical limitations or disabilities, today announced that effective with the open of the market on February 24, 2026, the Company will complete a 1-for-12 rever ...

Core Insights - Aetna has joined UnitedHealthcare and Humana in providing Medicare Advantage coverage for the ReWalk Personal Exoskeleton, expanding access to approximately 16 million beneficiaries in the U.S. [1][2] Group 1: Company Developments - Lifeward Ltd. announced that Aetna issued prior authorization for a Medicare Advantage beneficiary to obtain the ReWalk Personal Exoskeleton, recognizing it as medically necessary for individuals with spinal cord injuries [1][2] - The ReWalk Personal Exoskeleton is an FDA-approved technology that enables individuals with spinal cord injuries to achieve functional ambulation, with multiple peer-reviewed studies supporting its benefits [2][3] Group 2: Market Impact - The recent approvals for prior authorization from three major Medicare Advantage insurers signify a significant advancement in access to exoskeletal rehabilitation technology for patients and providers [3][4] - A nurse with a spinal cord injury expressed that access to the ReWalk device represents a life-changing opportunity, emphasizing the importance of innovative mobility devices for dignity and independence [4] Group 3: Company Mission and Products - Lifeward is committed to driving innovation in medical technology to improve the lives of individuals with physical limitations or disabilities, with a product portfolio that includes the ReWalk Exoskeleton and other rehabilitation solutions [6][7]

Core Insights - Lifeward is positioning itself as a MedTech platform with a clear path to profitability and long-term Biotech potential through a strategic partnership with Oramed Pharmaceuticals [1][2] Investment and Financial Structure - Lifeward will receive up to $47 million in strategic investment from Oramed and another investor, which includes equity, convertible notes, milestone-based funding, and warrant coverage [2][14] - The investment structure aims to support Lifeward's journey to profitability while allowing for selective investments in high-value innovations [2] Technology Acquisition - Lifeward is acquiring Oramed's Protein Oral Delivery (POD™) technology, which targets the $600+ billion injectable drugs market, including the potential for ORMD-0801 to become the first commercialized oral insulin [1][3] - The POD™ technology is designed to transform injectable biological therapies into oral medications, addressing a significant market opportunity in diabetes and other metabolic diseases [3][10] Clinical Development and Management - Oramed will manage and fund the clinical development of the POD™ technology, allowing Lifeward to focus on profitability and cash generation while retaining exposure to biotech opportunities [4][8] - The POD™ technology has shown promise in clinical trials, with the lead drug candidate ORMD-0801 achieving significant results in reducing HbA1c levels [12] Strategic Goals and Diversification - The partnership with Oramed marks the beginning of Lifeward's broader diversification strategy across medical technology and biotechnology [5] - Lifeward aims to achieve sustainable profitability from existing FDA-approved products while building a balanced biomedical portfolio that combines near-term revenue with long-term biotech innovation [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - The strategic transaction between Oramed Pharmaceuticals and Lifeward involves the transfer of Oramed's proprietary Protein Oral Drug (POD™) delivery technology to Lifeward, positioning Oramed as a significant shareholder with a 49.9% beneficial ownership interest in Lifeward [2][3][4] Transaction Overview - Oramed will transfer its POD™ technology to Lifeward, which will result in Oramed obtaining a 49.9% beneficial ownership interest in Lifeward, along with warrants [5][6] - Lifeward will issue $10 million in senior secured convertible notes in a private placement, with Oramed investing $9 million, and an additional milestone-based $10 million note, also with Oramed investing $9 million, both having 100% warrant coverage [2][14] Strategic Vision - The transaction is seen as a strategic evolution for Oramed, allowing it to maintain exposure to oral drug delivery innovation while participating in a medical robotics company poised for significant growth [3][4] - Lifeward's acquisition of the POD™ technology is expected to enhance its capabilities in advancing oral insulin programs and diversifying its biomedical innovation portfolio [4][6] Leadership and Management - Lifeward's leadership under President and CEO Mark Grant, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare and medical technology, is expected to drive the advancement of the newly acquired oral drug delivery platform [4][6] - Oramed will manage the upcoming anticipated clinical trial related to the POD™ technology [3][7] Financial Performance - Lifeward's FDA-approved products, ReWalk® and AlterG®, generated $26 million in revenue over the last four quarters, indicating a solid financial foundation for the company [6]

Core Insights - Lifeward Ltd. has appointed Bob Marshall as the new Chairman of the Board, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Joseph Turk who is transitioning to a new role at Fresenius Medical Care [1][2] Company Overview - Lifeward is a global leader in innovative medical technology aimed at transforming the lives of individuals with physical limitations or disabilities [3] - The company designs, develops, and commercializes solutions for physical rehabilitation and recovery, with a mission to drive innovation for individuals with disabilities [3] - Lifeward's product portfolio includes the ReWalk Exoskeleton, AlterG Anti-Gravity System, ReStore Exo-Suit, and MyoCycle FES System [3] - Founded in 2001, Lifeward operates in the United States, Israel, and Germany [3] Leadership Changes - Bob Marshall has been a member of Lifeward's Board and Chair of the Audit Committee since 2024, bringing financial leadership and healthcare expertise to the role [2] - Prior to joining Lifeward, Bob Marshall served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Lantheus Holdings since 2018 and held various positions at Zimmer Biomet Holdings [2]

Core Insights - Lifeward Ltd. has entered into a distribution agreement with Verita Neuro to expand access to the ReWalk Personal Exoskeleton for spinal cord injury patients, targeting a total addressable market of approximately $1.75 billion [1][3] Group 1: Distribution Agreement - The agreement allows Verita Neuro to be the exclusive distributor of ReWalk in Mexico, Thailand, and the UAE, leveraging its established international presence [1][3] - Verita Neuro has a database of over 25,000 spinal cord injury patients and a network of rehabilitation centers, enhancing the reach of ReWalk [2] Group 2: Commercial Strategy - Lifeward's hybrid commercial model combines direct sales in the U.S. with third-party distribution in select international markets, aiming for increased sales volumes while managing operating expenses [3] - The partnership with Verita Neuro is intended to integrate ReWalk into their multi-modal treatment methodologies, which include surgical neural stimulation and stem cell therapy [3][4] Group 3: Rehabilitation Approach - Verita Neuro will implement a new delivery model that includes intensive in-patient training and rehabilitation for ReWalk, differing from the traditional outpatient training [4] - This approach is expected to enhance clinical adoption of ReWalk in various rehabilitation settings globally [4]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is accelerating the development of robotics technology, leading to a significant rise in several robotics stocks, including Nauticus Robotics and iRobot, which both saw increases of over 60% [1][5]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Nauticus Robotics (KITT) rose by 61.92%, reaching a price of $1.1700 [2][4]. - iRobot (IRBT) increased by 61.28%, with a price of $3.145 [2][4]. - Other notable performers include Vicarious Surgical (RBOT) up 15.77%, Lifeward (LFWD) up 13.18%, Serve Robotics (SERV) up 10.87%, and Richtech Robotics (RR) up 10.12% [2][4]. Group 2: Government Initiatives - The U.S. Commerce Secretary has been meeting with various CEOs in the robotics industry, indicating a push for advancements in this sector [5]. - The government is considering an executive order on robotics technology to be announced next year, emphasizing the importance of robotics in bringing critical manufacturing back to the U.S. [3][5]. - A robotics task force is being prepared by the U.S. Department of Transportation, with an announcement expected by the end of the year [3][5]. Group 3: Industry Insights - Robotics is becoming a crucial area of international competition, with rising interest from U.S. lawmakers, including proposals for a national robotics committee [3][5]. - Advances in artificial intelligence are enabling humanoid robots to process large amounts of data and handle increasingly complex tasks, positioning robots as the "physical form" of AI [3][5]. - Industry leaders believe that investing in robotics can lead to greater efficiency for workers and potentially create more job opportunities, as companies that invest in robots are likely to invest in more employees as well [3][5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a significant surge in robot-related stocks, driven by potential government initiatives to advance robotics technology in the U.S. [3][5] Group 1: Stock Performance - Several robotics stocks experienced substantial gains, with Nauticus Robotics and iRobot both rising over 60% [3][4]. - Nauticus Robotics (KITT) increased by 61.92% to $1.1700, while iRobot (IRBT) rose by 61.28% to $3.145 [4]. Group 2: Government Initiatives - The Trump administration is reportedly accelerating the development of robotics technology, with the Commerce Secretary meeting various CEOs in the robotics sector [5]. - There are plans for an executive order on robotics technology to be announced next year, indicating a strong governmental push in this area [5]. - The U.S. Department of Transportation is preparing to establish a robotics working group, potentially announced by the end of the year [5]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The growing interest in robotics is seen as a critical aspect of international competition, although it may conflict with the goal of reviving U.S. manufacturing jobs [5]. - Advances in artificial intelligence are enabling humanoid robots to process data more efficiently and take on complex tasks, positioning robots as the "physical form" of AI [5]. - Industry leaders emphasize the importance of a national robotics strategy to maintain competitiveness in the emerging sector [6].

Core Insights - Lifeward Ltd. has received prior authorization from Humana Medicare Advantage Plan for its ReWalk 7 Personal Exoskeleton, marking a significant step in expanding access to innovative medical technology for individuals with spinal cord injuries [1][2][3] - Humana and UnitedHealthcare, the two largest Medicare Advantage providers in the U.S., now account for 47% of all Medicare Advantage enrollees eligible for reimbursement for the ReWalk 7 [1][3] Company Developments - The approval from Humana is expected to enhance Lifeward's revenue and cash flow dynamics, providing a clearer foundation for scalable growth in the U.S. market [1][3] - Lifeward has been actively submitting claims for reimbursement under both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a formal reimbursement pathway for personal exoskeletons in 2024 [3] Industry Context - The approval of coverage for the ReWalk 7 under Humana's Medicare Advantage Plan reflects a broader trend of increasing acceptance of innovative medical technologies within the healthcare system [2][3] - Nearly half of all Medicare Advantage enrollees are now eligible for prior authorization and reimbursement for the ReWalk 7, indicating a growing recognition of the clinical and functional value of personal exoskeleton technology [3]