vagus nerve stimulation for treatment of RA
Article in NPR. Did anyone see this? (let’s hope research like this isn’t put on hold for the next four years)
https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/03/nx-s1-5272748/vagus-nerve-stimulation-may-tame-autoimmune-diseases
Thanks for sharing this article,
! I hadn't seen it yet. This is an older article on the topic of vagus nerve stimulation (https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/blog/vagus-nerve-stimulation-possibilities-and-limitations), so it has been on some folks' radar for awhile. Still, proper funding and consistent testing will help us see if this is a truly viable treatment option for the wider population. And wouldn't that be nice? Fingers crossed the funding doesn't get cut!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
I heard this on NPR also! Then spent some time surfing for more info. It does sound promising and exciting!
The vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) appears to help regulate the over active immune system, decreasing harmful proteins (cytokines) without decreasing our ability to fight infections. It does require surgical implantation of a small device.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/vagus-nerve-stimulation-proves-effective-refractory-2024a1000l8n
Personally, I am excited for a treatment for those of us who have gone through many medication trials. I have experienced infections while on immunosuppressants, but I need those meds to function. It would be a dream come true to leave them behind. I’m encouraged that VNS have been used safely for other conditions for many years.
It is possible that they will be looking at FDA approval by the end of this year. It is believed this may help with other diseases, such as, Crohns and MS.
Hopeful, Jo
Hi
. I don't know if you saw this Forum I posted on the topic of vagus nerve stimulation back in December: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/forums/vagus-nerve-stimulation-experience. The linked Medscape article is on the same research as you cited here. On our Facebook page a number of people were very hesitant/skeptical about any kind of implant or procedure dealing with such a vital nerve. Depending on research results, is this a type of procedure you would be willing to consider? Best, Richard (Team Member) Hi
. I noticed in the Medscape article that there is a link to a write up for the "Pilot Study." Given the positive results, this certainly points toward further studies/trials on the horizon. Sometimes it pays to be proactive - I wonder if it would be worthwhile to contact the company or researchers directly to enquire about future studies and how they are choosing participants. Best, Richard (Team Member) This is definitely something I would consider, if studies continue to show positive results. I rely on Ruxience and Prednisone to give me fair, but not the really great control. But, it is the regime that I have had the best results with. I am willing to put up with immunosuppressants as needed, but would love to find my way off them due to the risk of serious infection. Over the years I have taken care of several kids with VNS to control seizures. They all tolerated the implant well. My guess is their safety profile is better than high powered immunosuppressants. Time will tell…. Jo
I know a woman, through the Arthritis Foundation, that was part of a clinical trial for vagus nerve stimulation. She was implanted with the device, not the placebo. While she was not able to come off of her biologic, she was happy with the results, notably less pain. Hope for days with less pain is a wonderful thing to have.
, neat! Her story is definitely promising!
Best, Erin, Team Member.
