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Lupus Pain Eased by New Vagus Nerve Stimulation Trial
12 Oct
Summary
- Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation is being tested for lupus pain.
- The trial monitors pain, fatigue, and gut-brain axis biomarkers.
- This research builds on prior successful VNS studies for lupus patients.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are participating in a novel clinical trial led by Dr. Cynthia Aranow at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. The study is evaluating non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a treatment for lupus-related pain and fatigue. Participants receive daily stimulation for 28 days, with their symptoms and biomarkers monitored for an additional 28 days to assess lasting effects.
The trial explores how VNS might reduce pain and fatigue by examining blood biomarkers and effects on the gut microbiome, particularly the gut-brain axis. This research is supported by a $450,000 grant from the Lupus Research Alliance and builds on Dr. Aranow's previous successful transcutaneous VNS studies.
This initiative is part of Northwell Health's Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, a field that integrates neuroscience and molecular medicine to develop device-based therapies. The Feinstein Institutes are global leaders in bioelectronic medicine and VNS research, aiming to create personalized treatments with fewer side effects for conditions like lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and PTSD.
