Tivic Health Systems (Nasdaq: TIVC) seeks to broaden its bioelectronic offerings, filing for a U.S. patent for noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation tech.
The vagus nerve is a critical component of the body’s autonomic nervous system. Originating from the human brainstem, it connects the brain to vital organs including the heart, lungs, and immune system organs such as the spleen. It is responsible for regulating various vital organ functions. In recent years, researchers have uncovered the potential of vagus nerve stimulation for treating conditions such as epilepsy, depression and migraines.
Conventionally, VNS has involved surgically implanting an electrical device near the vagus nerve. For example, LivaNova earlier this year launched its FDA-cleared SenTiva Duo implantable pulse generator — a pacemaker-like device to treat epilepsy. Meanwhile, SetPoint Medical has an FDA breakthrough device designation for a miniaturized stimulation device that is placed on the vagus nerve to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Tivic officials say their new approach aims to eliminate the need for surgery by providing non-invasive stimulation through the application of advanced bioelectronic technology. The technology includes what the company describes as a novel circuit design for more precise targeting of the signals carried by the vagus nerve.
“Non-invasive stimulation with precision targeting of the vagus nerve is directly in support of our strategic goals to expand our proprietary footprint in bioelectronic medicine,” Tibic CEO Jennifer Ernst said in a news release. “This patent could advance the field of bioelectronic medicine with a more precise approach to the treatment of cardiovascular, neurological/psychiatric, and systemic inflammatory chronic health conditions without surgery, implants, or pharmaceuticals.”
It’s the latest development for Tivic
This news follows Tivic Health bringing on industry suppliers including Microart Services and ALOM to significantly cut manufacturing costs.
It presently markets a small, handheld ClearUp device directly to consumers through its website and through online retailers including Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart. ClearUp has FDA clearance to treat allergy-related sinus pain and congestion from allergies, colds and flu. (Ernst spoke with our sister site Medical Design & Outsourcing last year about the bioelectronic medicine space.)
Tivic says it presently has five issued U.S. patents, 96 claims, and 20 pending patents in the U.S. and abroad.
