Crohn’s disease: Implantable device holds promise for long-term remission

MedTech & Diagnostics News: Gastroenterologists at Austin Health have successfully implanted an electrical nerve stimulation device into a patient with Crohn’s disease, aiming to induce long-term remission post-surgery.

Crohn’s disease often necessitates bowel surgery to remove damaged sections. Unfortunately, the disease frequently resurfaces, compelling patients to undergo further surgeries and rely on lifelong drug therapies.

AbbVie’s Rinvoq (upadacitinib), a once-daily tablet, was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adult patients with severe Crohn’s disease (CD). This Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor represents the first novel molecule in seven years to secure a place on the PBS for treating CD.

Professor John Furness, co-investigator and leader of The Florey’s Digestive Physiology and Nutrition Laboratories, emphasised the transformative impact of this breakthrough medical device on the lives of Crohn’s patients.

He stated, “By stimulating anti-inflammatory nerves and addressing inflammation early, the recurrent inflammation and associated scar tissue development can hopefully be prevented altogether, meaning patients will avoid the cycle of surgery and recovery.”

Associate Professor Peter De Cruz, Director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Service at Austin Health, highlighted the significant impact of Crohn’s disease on Australians, particularly during crucial life stages.

“Australia has among the highest incidence of Crohn’s disease in the world, and affects young people in their 20s to 30s at a time when they are trying to study, enter the workforce or commence families,” he noted.

The medical device, developed by Professor James Fallon, Chief Technology Officer, and Head of Research at the Bionics Institute, was recently implanted onto the vagus nerve of Crohn’s patient Anthony Becker. Mr Becker, who has battled Crohn’s for decades, is determined to confront the disease head-on, hoping to maintain a quality of life free from surgeries.

Professor Fallon explained the device’s mechanism, stating, “The vagus nerve controls many functions in the body, such as digestion, heart rate, and the immune system. The device is made up of tiny electrodes that stimulate the vagus nerve to trigger the body’s natural defences and prevent inflammation from damaging the gut.”

If successful, the implant could offer a “set-and-forget” treatment, powered by a small battery under the skin.

Associate Professor De Cruz expressed optimism, saying, “Up to 80% of Crohn’s sufferers will require surgery at some point in their lives. It’s hoped that eventually this new device will work as a set and forget, allowing patients to continue with their lives without the fear of ongoing treatment with medication.”

The current study aims to confirm the safety and efficacy of the device for Crohn’s sufferers, providing crucial data to understand if remission can be sustained after surgery.

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