Advancements in EmeTerm Device for Chronic Nausea During Clinical Study at Ohio State

EmeTerm Device Shows Promise for Alleviating Chronic Nausea

WAT Medical Enterprise Ltd. has announced notable advancements in its innovative anti-nausea device, known as EmeTerm. Currently undergoing evaluation at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, this wearable wristband aims to provide relief for patients suffering from chronic nausea associated with gastric disorders.

Understanding the Impact of Chronic Nausea

Chronic nausea remains a pervasive issue affecting countless individuals globally. The American College of Gastroenterology estimates that functional dyspepsia and its related chronic gastric disorders can affect up to 12% of the U.S. population. Nausea, in particular, has been identified as one of the most debilitating symptoms experienced by sufferers.

Traditional anti-nausea medications often manage symptoms effectively; however, they come with side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and constipation, which can make long-term treatment challenging. The market for antiemetic drugs was valued at around 4.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 and is expected to expand significantly in the coming years. This growth highlights an increasing demand for safe, non-invasive alternatives for nausea relief, which is where EmeTerm enters the scene.

How EmeTerm Functions

EmeTerm employs transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEAS) technology, delivering mild electrical pulses to the median nerve located on the wrist. This stimulation modulates the neural signals transmitted between the brain and the digestive tract, effectively reducing feelings of nausea and preventing the urge to vomit. One of the key advantages of EmeTerm is that it doesn’t carry the unpleasant side effects often attributed to pharmacological treatments.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EmeTerm in minimizing nausea and preventing vomiting. For instance, a multicenter randomized controlled trial revealed that EmeTerm significantly lessened the cases of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients who had undergone hysteroscopic surgeries. Unlike traditional medications that require consistent intake, EmeTerm can be utilized on-demand, making it a preferable option for those managing unpredictable bouts of nausea.

Additionally, this novelty has already received FDA clearance for over-the-counter availability, covering various nausea triggers including motion sickness and pregnancy-related nausea.

Clinical Studies at Ohio State

Researchers at Ohio State University aim to explore how modern medical technologies can better manage chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Since 2023, they have been conducting clinical trials to evaluate EmeTerm's effectiveness as an adjunct treatment for chronic gastric disorders. The initial findings are promising, with close to half of the participants experiencing significant relief from moderate to severe nausea. Furthermore, about 30% of individuals reporting vomiting noted improvements as well.

The clinical trial, expected to conclude in 2026, is closely monitoring various patients with conditions such as gastroparesis, chronic gastritis, and an array of other gastrointestinal disorders. Researchers are focused on confirming EmeTerm's effectiveness across a diverse patient demographic, thereby solidifying its potential benefits long term.

Conclusion

As the clinical study progresses towards its final stages, WAT Medical's EmeTerm device stands at the forefront of an emergent field that seeks to provide innovative, non-drug approaches to alleviate chronic nausea. With the increasing global demand for alternative solutions to nausea and vomiting, EmeTerm's promise could herald a substantive change in the treatment landscape for millions of sufferers worldwide. The final analysis and reports from the Ohio State study will undoubtedly serve as a crucial indicator of its potential applications in broader healthcare settings.

References

1. American College of Gastroenterology. (2022). ACG clinical guideline on functional dyspepsia and chronic nausea.
2. Grand View Research. (2023). Antiemetic drugs market trends 2023–2030.
3. Wang, N., et al. (2022). Clinical research on transcutaneous electrical stimulation against postoperative nausea.
4. WAT Medical Website
5. EmeTerm Product Page