Data Highlighting Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) for Treatment of Acute Neurological Injury Presented at 2023 World Stroke Congress

electroCore, Inc., a leading bioelectronic medicine and wellness company, has recently unveiled promising data from two clinical trials exploring the potential of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) in the treatment of acute neurological injuries. The findings, presented at the 15th World Stroke Congress in Toronto, Canada, shed light on the safety and efficacy of nVNS in managing headache associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and acute ischemic stroke.

The first study, known as VANQUISH, conducted at Northwell Health in New York, demonstrated a significant reduction in overall pain score with a therapeutic gain in favor of nVNS. Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in the average morphine equivalent dosage after two weeks of treatment, along with a trend towards a shorter hospital stay. Dr. Tania Rebeiz, the primary investigator of the VANQUISH study, expressed her satisfaction with the results, highlighting the potential of nVNS to reduce pain and the use of other acute pain medications, including opioids, in the immediate aftermath of SAH. This could offer significant benefits to patients and healthcare providers, potentially decreasing the length of hospital stays.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a severe condition often caused by trauma and aneurysm rupture, leading to high mortality and disability rates. The complications associated with SAH, such as aneurysm re-rupture, seizures, central fever, delayed cerebral ischemia, headache, and hydrocephalus, further emphasize the need for effective treatment options.

The second trial, NOVIS, is a prospective randomized clinical study being conducted at the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands. This trial aims to assess the efficacy of nVNS in acute ischemic stroke. The study is expected to complete enrollment by the end of 2023, with the primary endpoint being the final infarct volume on day five, as evaluated through MRI scans. Dr. Anne van der Meij, from the Leiden University Medical Center, expressed optimism about the study’s potential to provide greater clarity and possibly confirm the efficacy of nVNS in the acute treatment of ischemic stroke.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with a high mortality rate and a significant burden of disability among survivors. electroCore’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Peter Staats, commended the investigators, patients, and sites involved in the research, emphasizing the strong mechanistic rationale for nVNS as a potentially neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory treatment for acute neurological injuries. Dr. Staats also highlighted the exciting possibility of nVNS reducing the daily use of other acute pain medications and potentially shortening hospital stays for SAH patients.

electroCore, Inc. is a commercial-stage bioelectronic medicine and wellness company dedicated to improving health through its nVNS technology platform. The company focuses on the commercialization of medical devices for managing and treating specific medical conditions, as well as consumer product offerings that utilize nVNS to promote general well-being and human performance. With its commitment to advancing innovative solutions, electroCore is poised to make a significant impact in the field of bioelectronic medicine.

These recent findings from the VANQUISH and NOVIS trials further support the potential of nVNS as a groundbreaking treatment option for acute neurological injuries. As electroCore continues to explore the therapeutic applications of nVNS, the future looks promising for patients and healthcare providers seeking effective and non-invasive solutions to improve outcomes in conditions such as SAH and ischemic stroke.