Cutting-edge implant promises a new era in migraine management

MedTech & Diagnostics News: In a medical milestone, a paper-thin neuromodulation solution has been successfully implanted in Australia to combat severe migraine and cluster headaches. The first patient to receive this treatment is a 29-year-old woman who has endured debilitating headaches since she was just 14 years old.

The CEO of Salvia BioElectronics, Hubert Martens, expressed his excitement, calling it a remarkable milestone that opens up a new realm of possibilities in the field of medical science.

“The first patient experienced immediate improvements in the number and intensity of migraine and cluster headache attacks,” he said.

What makes this paper-thin implant truly revolutionary is its flexibility, which allows it to adapt seamlessly to the unique anatomy of the patient’s head, providing a comprehensive neuromodulation solution. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had already recognised its potential and granted it a breakthrough medical device designation in 2020 due to its significant impact on addressing an unmet medical need.

Currently, Eli Lilly’s Emgality, Teva’s Ajovy, Novartis/Amgen’s Aimovig, and AbbVie/Allergan’s Botox, are options for the relief of migraine and cluster headaches for sufferers in Australia.

Leading the Australian clinical trial is Dr Paul Frank, a pain management specialist based in Queensland. He shared his enthusiasm for the new technology, stating “Working with Salvia to implant our first patient was an excellent experience. I am excited that this new technology can significantly impact the lives of many patients.”

Salvia BioElectronics’ Chief Medical Officer, Wim Pollet, offered insights into how this implant works. He explained that migraines and cluster headaches are characterised by hypersensitivity of the nervous system. The innovative solution seeks to restore the balance in the brain “by delivering gentle electrical pulses via the paper-thin bioelectronic foil, effectively reducing the frequency and severity of migraine and cluster headache attacks.”

Founded in 2017, Salvia BioElectronics is a Dutch medical device company that has invested considerable research into identifying neural targets in migraine treatment.

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