LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2026
Nervonik Inc., a clinical-stage medical device company focused on next-generation neuromodulation technologies, has announced the successful completion of a groundbreaking first-in-human feasibility study demonstrating the ability to record critical nerve-related biosignals during peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) in chronic pain patients. The study marks a significant milestone in the evolution of neuromodulation by demonstrating simultaneous stimulation and sensing capabilities across multiple anatomical targets. Conducted in collaboration with physicians at Hospital Punta Pacifica in Panama City, Panama, the research involved eight chronic pain patients and the recording of biosignals from 16 peripheral nerves, generating high-quality neural data that could support the future development of AI-powered closed-loop neurostimulation systems. The achievement positions Nervonik at the forefront of a rapidly advancing field that aims to transform chronic pain management through intelligent, personalized therapy delivery.
First-in-Human Study Demonstrates Advanced Peripheral Nerve Sensing
The feasibility study successfully demonstrated the ability to capture evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) and muscle potentials from peripheral nerves during active stimulation. These electrical signals provide direct insight into how nerves respond to therapy and serve as important biomarkers for evaluating treatment effectiveness. According to Nervonik, the technology enables simultaneous stimulation and biosignal recording through the same implanted lead while utilizing all electrodes at once, a capability that has not previously been demonstrated in chronic pain patients.
The study was led by renowned pain specialist Dr. Timothy Deer, who implanted neurostimulation leads and collaborated with the Nervonik research team to evaluate system performance across multiple anatomical targets. The ability to obtain high-fidelity neural recordings from peripheral nerves in a clinical setting represents a major advancement in the field of neuromodulation and could provide a new foundation for precision-guided chronic pain therapies. Investigators noted that the data generated during the study may significantly improve understanding of nerve responses and support future innovation in peripheral nerve stimulation technologies.
AI-Powered Closed-Loop Neuromodulation Represents Next Frontier
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A central objective of Nervonik’s technology platform is the integration of stimulation, sensing, and artificial intelligence into a unified therapeutic system. The neural data collected through the study are expected to play a critical role in training machine learning algorithms capable of continuously optimizing therapy delivery based on real-time patient responses. Unlike traditional neurostimulation systems that operate using fixed programming parameters, future closed-loop peripheral nerve stimulation platforms could automatically adapt treatment intensity and stimulation patterns to meet each patient’s evolving needs.
By continuously monitoring ECAPs and related biosignals, AI-driven systems may be able to maximize pain relief while enhancing patient comfort and reducing unnecessary stimulation. Company leadership emphasized that the successful demonstration of neural sensing in chronic pain patients validates multiple technological innovations developed by Nervonik and provides an important foundation for future product development. As healthcare increasingly embraces data-driven and personalized medicine approaches, intelligent neuromodulation systems are emerging as one of the most promising frontiers in medical device innovation.
Clinical Findings Recognized by Leading Pain Medicine Experts
The significance of the research has already attracted attention from the broader pain management community. The study, titled “First-in-Human Simultaneous All-Electrode Recording of Biosignals from Percutaneous PNS Leads in Chronic Pain Patients,” was selected as a Top Abstract by the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN). The findings will be presented at the ASPN 2026 Annual Conference in Miami Beach, Florida, providing additional visibility among leading clinicians, researchers, and industry stakeholders. Chronic pain remains one of the most challenging medical conditions globally, affecting millions of patients and often requiring long-term treatment strategies.
Advances in peripheral nerve stimulation have already expanded non-opioid treatment options, and the integration of real-time sensing with artificial intelligence may further improve clinical outcomes. With the successful completion of this first-in-human study, Nervonik has taken an important step toward developing the next generation of precision neuromodulation technologies designed to deliver more adaptive, personalized, and effective therapies for patients living with chronic pain and other neurological disorders.
Source: Nervonik press release
