US Approves Vagus Nerve Stimulator for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a novel vagus nerve stimulator designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, marking the first time such a device has received clearance for an autoimmune disorder. The compact, implantable device is positioned along the vagus nerve in the neck, where it autonomously delivers electrical pulses over approximately ten years to modulate nerve activity and mitigate inflammation. Conventional treatments for rheumatoid arthritis rely on potent anti-inflammatory medications that suppress the immune system, which can lead to increased infection and cancer risks. Many patients are dissatisfied with these therapies and discontinue use due to adverse effects. In clinical trials involving 242 participants with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, around 35% experienced at least a 20% reduction in symptoms after 12 weeks of vagus nerve stimulation, suggesting a promising alternative treatment option.