Ear zap device could tame arthritis pain without drugs

NCT ID NCT06779123

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: taVNS AB Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a portable device that sends mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve through the ear, aiming to calm the immune system and reduce joint inflammation. It involves 128 adults with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded well to standard biologic or targeted drugs. Participants will use the device daily for 12 weeks, and researchers will measure if it improves joint tenderness and swelling compared to a sham device.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug, low-cost option to control inflammation and improve symptoms for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with 128 participants, and the device may not work better than a sham. It is only for those who have not responded to other treatments.

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.

arthritic joint disease Pain rheumatoid arthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center for Rheumatology, Academic Specialist Centre
RECRUITING

Stockholm, 17176, Sweden
Dept of Rheumatology, Umeå University Hospital
RECRUITING

Umeå, 90189, Sweden
Dept of Rheumatology, Örebro University Hospital
RECRUITING

Örebro, 70116, Sweden
Karolinska University Hospital
RECRUITING

Stockholm, 17176, Sweden
Section for Rheumatology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund
RECRUITING

Lund, Skåne County, SE 22185, Sweden
Section for Rheumatology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö
RECRUITING

Malmö, 20502, Sweden

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