The Us FDA has approved a device that provided hope to patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic condition resistant to treatment and is usually managed by medications.
The device is a departure from the traditional therapy — it taps the power of the uncontrolled inflamation that results into auto-immune disease.
The inch-long device — Setpoint System — is implanted into the neck. It sits in a pod wrapped around the vagus nerve (the longest nerve in the body).Electronically, the device stimulates the nerve for one minute each day. It can turn off inflammation and ‘reset’ the immune system. It is a true paradigm shift in the treatment of RA. It belongs to the so-called bioelectronics medicine.
The vagus stimulation is also being studied to manage inflammatory bowl disease in children, lupus and other conditions. Trials for multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease are also planned. The device’s long-term effectiveness and safety are being studied.
Surgery to implant devices can lead to infections resistant to antibiotics.
This device is a result of extensive research. Vagus nerve acts as an on-off switch. It works for an overactive immune system. It acts like a brake system in the car. In a way, it reeducates the immune system.
Its price has not been disclosed. It is designed to last for a decade, It could be less expensive than the quota of medicines to manage RA for a year. It is to be seen whether the effectiveness of the device wane over time.
Leave a Reply