Abbott (NYSE:ABT) and Nevro (NYSE:NVRO) touted their spinal cord stimulation technologies at the annual North American Neurological Society meeting in Las Vegas.
Two-year data from Abbott’s 42-patient Sunburst study revealed that a majority of patients chose its BurstDR therapy when given the choice during the long-term follow-up period and that stimulation from BurstDR provided pain relief through 24 months.
Patient preference for Abbott’s BurstDR system grew over time, the company pointed out – 68% of patients chose BurstDR at 12 months compared to 81% at two years.
“The BurstDR waveform is by far the most studied waveform in neurostimulation. It’s clear to the physicians we’re working with that Abbott is committed to ongoing research and real-world evidence,” Abbott’s medical director for neuromodulation, Dr. Allen Burton, said in prepared remarks.
“This latest 24-month data continues to show strong consistent real-world outcomes with Abbott’s BurstDR, which is critical when physicians are making decisions for their patients,” Dr. Timothy Deer, president & CEO of the Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias, added.
Nevro presented data from three trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of its Senza HF10 neuromodulation therapy in patients dealing with chronic pain.
In the company’s Senza-ULN trial, patients with chronic, intractable neck and/or upper limb pain experienced significant pain reduction after 12 months.
Interim results from Nevro’s Senza-PPN study evaluating patients with peripheral polyneuropathy were compelling enough to trigger the launch of a large-scale randomized trial for people with diabetic neuropathy, the company reported.
Nevro also touted the study design of a multi-center trial for patients with non-surgical refractory back pain. Results from a feasibility study showed that patients with non-surgical refractory back pain who were treated with Nevro’s Senza therapy experienced significant pain relief and reduced opioid use from 90% at baseline to 12% at 36 months.
“Our large and growing body of clinical evidence supports the use of HF10 therapy for patients suffering from debilitating chronic pain and looking for alternatives to opioids,” president & CEO Rami Elghandour said in prepared remarks.
“With a number of studies initiated in a variety of pain areas and indications, we are uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of neuromodulation by applying our best-in-class therapy to treat a broad array of challenging disease states. In today’s environment, patients and physicians are seeking non-pharmacologic solutions and we are committed to helping patients regain their lives by doing this important work.”
In a note to investors, Leerink analysts Danielle Antalffy and Rebecca Wang noted that the spinal cord stimulation market in the U.S. is poised to continue along its double-digit market growth trajectory, up from the analysts’ 15% 2018 projection and 10% projection for 2019.