Electric nerve zap implant tested for severe arthritis

NCT ID NCT07017686

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: The Bionics Institute of Australia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This early study tests whether a device that electrically stimulates the abdominal vagus nerve is safe for people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that hasn't improved with medication. Five participants will have the device implanted via keyhole surgery and receive daily stimulation for 22 weeks. The main goal is to check for serious side effects, not to prove it works.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: abdominal vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) device
What this could lead to: If safe and effective, this could point toward a new way to control rheumatoid arthritis without drugs.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, tiny safety study with only 5 people. It may not show benefit, and the device requires keyhole surgery with possible risks like infection or nerve damage.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rheumatoid arthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ARTHRITIS, RHEUMATOID

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••
Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Austin Health, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
RECRUITING

Ivanhoe, Victoria, 3079, Australia
Bionics Institute
RECRUITING

Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
St Vincent's Hospital, Department of Rheumatology
RECRUITING

Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia

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