A first patient has been implanted with a bioelectronic foil against chronic migraine, also known as cluster headache, from Dutch startup Salvia BioElectronics. The patient experiences improvements in both the number and intensity of migraine and cluster headache attacks.
Salvia BioElectronics is a startup in the field of bioelectronics. The human body is controlled by a pattern of electrical impulses delivered through nerves. These patterns appear different in patients suffering from chronic neurological diseases. Bioelectronics are smart devices that use gentle electrical impulses to influence nerve activity.
Regulating nerve signals
Developments in this field are progressing rapidly. For decades, doctors have been using electrical stimulation, for example in the form of pacemakers. However, researchers are increasingly succeeding in regulating nerve signals with the aim of treating diseases.
Salvia BioElectronics is also betting on this. The organisation focuses on developing bioelectronic solutions that provide relief for people suffering from chronic migraine or cluster headaches. In doing so, it aims to offer a drug-free solution that is effective and has no side effects.
One in seven people struggle with migraines
And not without reason; migraine affects one in seven people. Women are affected by migraine at an above-average rate. Over five per cent of people with migraine suffer from chronic migraine; they have an average of 22 headache days per month. Approved medical methods are available, but these offer little relief for many patients in practice.
Salvia BioElectronics aims to provide relief with its bioelectronic foils. These adapt uniquely to the anatomy of the head. "We restore balance to the brain," says Wim Pollet, Chief Medical Officer of Salvia. "Migraines and cluster headaches are characterised by hypersensitivity of the nervous system. Our solution aims to restore the balance of the nervous system by delivering gentle, electrical stimuli through a paper-thin film to reduce attacks of migraine and cluster headaches."
'Huge milestone'
"This first procedure is a huge milestone in our journey to help migraineurs find relief," Pollet said. "We cannot wait to continue our clinical trials, with the ultimate goal of giving these patients their lives back." Dr Paul Frank, principal investigator of the clinical trials, is enthusiastic about the Eindhoven-based company's solution: "Collaborating with Salvia for the implantation in the first patient was a special experience. I am convinced that this new technology can significantly impact the lives of many patients."
The implant was implanted in a 29-year-old woman from Australia. She has been struggling with severe headache attacks since the age of 14. Salvia BioElectronics reports that the patient experienced "immediate improvements in the number and intensity of migraine and cluster headache attacks".
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
