Nerve Stimulation System Treats Refractory Epilepsy

An innovative vagus nerve stimulation system treats refractive epilepsy, partial onset seizures that cannot be effectively controlled via pharmacological treatment.

The FitNeS system is designed to deliver targeted, unidirectional nerve stimulation, effectively activating nerve fibers toward the brain while minimizing the activation of nonrelated nerve fibers. This selective approach has the potential to increase stimulation effectiveness while minimizing the risk of side effects. The system consists of an implanted stimulator and stimulation lead, which is connected to the left vagus nerve. The low currents used minimize nerve damage through a unique nerve electrode interface and improved cuff isolation, allowing for safe and easy explantation of the electrode when needed.

The FitNeS vagus nerve stimulation system is a product of CerebralRx (Yehud, Israel; cerebralrx.com), a spinoff of BioControl Medical (Yehud, Israel), which plans to use the technology for treating a range of neurological disorders. The system has been successfully implanted in the first two patients at the Institute for Clinical Neurosciences at the Shalgrenska Academy (Götenberg, Sweden).

"The formation of CerebralRx and launch of FitNeS are significant milestones that will increase our technology's penetration in the global neuromodulation market," said Ehud Cohen, PhD, CEO of BioControl Medical. "CerebralRx is built on years of development of the CardioFit by BioControl Medical, giving it the scientific and business foundation essential for success as it targets the field of neurology. The first implants and first commercial order of FitNeS are great testaments to the early interest in this new treatment option for patients with refractory epilepsy."

Epilepsy is a common condition estimated to affect 50 million people worldwide; more than 1% of the population is at risk for developing chronic epilepsy, and onset may occur at any age. Half of the patients with epilepsy suffer from partial onset seizures, which are typically treated with antiepileptic prescription drugs; however, 30% of these patients are "refractory," or unable to achieve seizure control with available drug therapy.

Related Links:
CerebralRx
BioControl Medical
Shalgrenska Academy