Targeting peripheral nerves: a method for therapeutic modulation of inflammatory disease with non-invasive temporal interference

Introduction

Excessive inflammation underlies the development of inflammatory diseases, e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's Disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disease - the most common cause of death in the world.

Molecular Mechanisms

Human physiology is controlled by defined molecular mechanisms, commonly regulated by specific target nerves and their associated reflexes which optimize function, for example, molecular mechanisms regulating inflammation.

Bioelectronic Medicine

Harnessing the power of the inherent nerve reflexes, which are evolutionarily adapted to regulate specific molecular mechanisms, holds promise to overcome many of the drawbacks intrinsic to current drug therapies. This approach, designated bioelectronic medicine, presents a radically improved way to both treat and better understand disease with increased adaptability and precision.

Role of the Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve, as shown by the team in this project and other groups, plays a key role in regulating key pro-inflammatory cytokines, pro-resolving mediators, and controls inflammation.

Challenges of Current Methods

However, specific targeting of the vagus nerve has required neurosurgical implantation of a pacemaker-like stimulator device with a control unit, a connecting cable, and an electrode implanted at depth. The requirement for highly specialized surgery significantly limits the usefulness and possibilities for implementation of nerve stimulation in the treatment of inflammation.

Risks of Surgery

Surgery and device implantation also carry risks for permanent tissue damage, local inflammation, infection, and other potentially serious complications.

Project Goals

TREATMENT will generate a precise, non-invasive nerve stimulator that uses Temporal Interference in an ultra-thin form factor (enabling patch-based applications) that will:

1. Target one nerve of interest and avoid off-target stimulation.
2. Avoid surgery.
3. Simplify effective use.
4. Enable bioelectronic medicine.