GSK supercharges R&D for miniaturized bioelectronic nerve implant for chronic disease

Already a growing presence in bioelectronics, GlaxoSmithKline is taking its efforts to the next level with plans to roll out implantable devices that send electric pulses to treat certain chronic diseases. The company wants to kick off clinical trials in 2017 for implanted products that address three chronic conditions, including an autoimmune disorder and a metabolic disease. GSK will focus on devices that can be implanted on peripheral nerves in the body, because controlling signals in the brain is "orders of magnitude" more difficult. Doctors would put a tiny electric device on a nerve that leads to a targeted organ, such as the kidneys or the spleen, to treat chronic diseases including obesity, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, asthma and arthritis. The product would be able to record signals from the nervous system and only send pulses when needed.

To find out more, please click here.