Scientists develop the first bio-electronic medicine

• Scientists have developed the first bioelectronic medicine -- an implantable, biodegradable wireless device that speeds nerve regeneration and improves the healing of a damaged nerve.
• The device that delivers regular pulses of electricity to damaged peripheral nerves in rats after a surgical repair process, accelerating the regrowth of nerves in their legs and enhancing the ultimate recovery of muscle strength and control.
• The size of a dime and the thickness of a sheet of paper, the wireless device operates for about two weeks before naturally absorbing into the body.

About Bioelectronic medicine:

• The technology, called "bioelectronic medicine," provides therapy and treatment over a clinically relevant period of time and directly at the site where it's needed, thereby reducing side effects or risks associated with conventional, permanent implants.
• These engineered systems provide active, therapeutic function in a programmable, dosed format and then naturally disappear into the body, without a trace.
• This approach to therapy allows one to think about options that go beyond drugs and chemistry.
• While the device has not been tested in humans, the findings offer promise as a future therapeutic option for nerve injury patients.
• For cases requiring surgery, standard practice is to administer some electrical stimulation during the surgery to aid recovery.
• However, until now, doctors have lacked a means to continuously provide that added boost at various time points throughout the recovery and healing process.
• The ability of the device to degrade in the body takes the place of a second surgery to remove a non-biodegradable device, thereby eliminating additional risk to the patient.

By: Vishal