A seed-sized device for nerve pain has been created in Abu Dhabi to bring relief to patients with chronic neurological illnesses. The wireless implant, developed by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and NYU Abu Dhabi, is injected with a standard needle and sits close to a target nerve to send electric signals. This technology could transform the way doctors support people with serious mobility conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, by providing a simpler, less invasive alternative to medication or surgery.
Seed-sized device offers less invasive nerve pain treatment
The partnership designed the device to be powered externally through wireless power transfer technology and electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for batteries or wired connections. Physicians can adjust pain control levels using the external field, and the device can be tracked inside the body with ultrasound or computed tomography scans. Research on the device has been published in *Science Advances*, a peer-reviewed journal by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
“This work represents a shift in how we think about treating nerve-related conditions,”
— Khalil Ramadi, assistant professor of bioengineering, NYU Abu Dhabi
Khalil Ramadi, who is also a professor at NYU Tandon and the study’s senior author, noted that making therapies injectable rather than surgically implanted maintains precise control over nerve activity. Laboratory and preclinical testing showed precise nerve stimulation and consistent performance under practical conditions. Because the micro‑device is injectable, it bypasses infection and mechanical‑failure risks that accompany traditional wired implants. It also avoids the limited lifespans and replacement surgeries required by traditional implanted neuromodulators that rely on batteries.
Potential impact on Parkinson’s disease care
If approved, the technology could bring relief to thousands of Parkinson’s disease patients, offering an alternative to dopamine replacement therapy, nerve‑pain medication, physical therapy, Botox injections or deep‑brain stimulation. The slow-progressing neurological disease is caused by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in motivation, pleasure, movement, memory, and focus. Conventional treatments often involve invasive surgery or long‑term drug use, while this seed-sized device promises a simpler, less invasive option.
“This collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to advancing innovative, clinically relevant research that translates into meaningful improvements in patient care,”
— Dr Sawsan Abdel‑Razig, chief academic officer, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
The researchers emphasize that multidisciplinary collaboration accelerated development. By bringing together expertise, the work aims to expand access to advanced treatments for patients. Approval could provide a safer, less invasive therapy for those struggling with chronic nerve pain.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new device for nerve pain treatment?
A seed-sized, injectable device has been developed by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and NYU Abu Dhabi to ease nerve pain for patients, including those with Parkinson’s disease.
How does the new nerve pain device work?
The device is injected with a standard needle and sends electric signals to target nerves, powered externally through wireless power transfer technology.
Could this device help Parkinson's patients?
Yes, the device could bring relief to thousands of Parkinson’s disease patients, offering an alternative to current treatments like dopamine replacement therapy or deep-brain stimulation.
Is the nerve pain device surgically implanted?
No, the device is injectable, not surgically implanted, which reduces risks of infection and mechanical failure associated with traditional wired implants.
Where was the nerve pain device developed?
The seed-sized device was developed in Abu Dhabi through a partnership between Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and NYU Abu Dhabi.
