The first-of-its-kind device treats adults with moderate-to-severe RA not adequately managed by (or failing to tolerate) existing therapies. Those therapies include biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Valencia, California-based SetPoint Medical designed the implantable, integrated neurostimulation system to deliver electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve once per day. It activates the body’s innate anti-inflammatory and immune-restorative pathways to treat RA.

The company says it could potentially treat autoimmune conditions without the immunosuppressive risks associated with pharmacological therapies. After placement during an outpatient procedure, the system automatically delivers therapy on a preset schedule to improve compliance. Future applications could include multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.