A miniature wireless device has the potential to transform the treatment of chronic pain and movement disorders by eliminating the need for surgery, batteries or wires.
Researchers believe the device, about the size of a small seed, may bridge the gap between non-invasive therapies and traditional implants.
The team from NYU Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, have developed an injectable medical device that offers a novel approach to treating chronic pain and movement disorders by controlling nerve activity.
The device can be injected into the body using a standard needle and placed near a target nerve.
Once positioned, it delivers controlled electrical signals that modulate nerve activity. It is powered wirelessly from outside the body, enabling clinicians or patients to adjust its function in real time.
The research, published in Science Advances, presents an alternative approach that combines precision with minimal invasiveness. This technology complements existing treatment options, which may include medical implants or pharmacological interventions, depending on the patient’s condition and requirements.
Professor Khalil Ramadi, assistant professor of bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Tandon and the study’s senior author, said: ‘This work represents a shift in how we think about treating nerve-related conditions. By creating a device that can be injected rather than surgically implanted, we are making these therapies simpler, safer, and more accessible, while still maintaining precise control over nerve activity.’
The device can be tracked using standard medical imaging, such as ultrasound and CT scans, enabling accurate placement and monitoring.
Once deployed, the device delivers programmable electrical stimulation, tailoring treatments to individual patient needs.
Dr Sawsan Abdel-Razig, chief academic officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: ‘This collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to advancing innovative, clinically relevant research that translates into meaningful improvements in patient care. By bringing together multidisciplinary expertise, this work highlights how academic partnerships can accelerate the development of safer, less invasive therapies and expand access to advanced treatments for patients.’
In laboratory and preclinical testing, the device demonstrated precise control over nerve stimulation and consistent performance under realistic conditions. It also successfully activated nerves in vivo, confirming its potential for real-world applications.
Dr Mohamed Elsherif, research associate at NYU Abu Dhabi and first author of the study, said: ‘This technology has the potential to bridge the gap between non-invasive therapies and traditional implants. It opens the door to treatments that are both effective and easy to deliver, which could significantly improve patient care.’
