Nervonik's First Human Trial: A Breakthrough in Chronic Pain Management with Innovative Nerve Stimulation
Nervonik, an emerging medical device startup, has achieved a significant milestone by concluding its first-in-human clinical trial focused on peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) technology to treat chronic pain. This innovative approach is gaining traction in the multi-billion-dollar chronic pain market. The origin of this groundbreaking device can be traced back to the research conducted in Dr. Aydin Babakhani's lab at the University of California, Los Angeles, where the team developed proprietary technology aimed at enhancing therapy outcomes for chronic pain patients.
Dr. Babakhani, who serves as both the founder and CEO of Nervonik, emphasized the importance of the clinical study, stating that it signifies a considerable advance for the company’s mission to revolutionize chronic pain treatment through its unique technology. He attributed the success of the study to a collaborative effort among engineers and world-class physicians.
The innovative PNS therapy involves the application of precisely controlled electrical currents to targeted nerves in the body, effectively modulating pain signals to elicit relief. Dr. Timothy Deer, President and CEO of The Spine and Nerve Centers of the Virginias, participated in the study and highlighted the significance of the findings. He noted that the study not only confirmed the device's safety and performance but also brought renewed hope to individuals suffering from chronic pain.
As Chief Scientific Officer of Nervonik, Dr. Jeff Kramer brings over two decades of expertise in neurotechnology development. He reinforced that their approach to chronic pain management is grounded in a deep understanding of how PNS interacts with the underlying neuroscience of pain. This understanding helps in creating strategies that enhance the patient experience during treatment.
The clinical trial was conducted at Punta Pacifica Hospital in Panama City, Panama, which is affiliated with Johns Hopkins. The study focused on patients experiencing chronic shoulder or knee discomfort. To begin the process, specialized small wires, known as leads, were surgically implanted by Dr. Deer, utilizing advanced techniques like fluoroscopy and ultrasound to accurately target multiple nerves.
Following the insertion of the leads, they were linked to miniaturized implantable pulse generators, which are wirelessly powered through a compact, programmable wearable device tailored for individual patient needs. Each patient received a custom stimulation parameter profile through a dedicated application, allowing for the optimal effectiveness of the treatment.
Dr. Ricardo Bermudez, the principal investigator at Punta Pacifica, conveyed his excitement about being part of Nervonik’s study and its potential to significantly advance chronic pain therapies globally. Witnessing the initial success of the patients using this new PNS device was notably gratifying for the team.
As Nervonik compiles the results from this promising study, the findings are set to be presented in early 2025, further contributing to the medical community’s understanding of chronic pain management techniques. With this breakthrough, Nervonik is poised to lead the charge in offering innovative solutions for those suffering from chronic pain, potentially transforming lives with their advanced PNS technology.