ABU DHABI — Researchers from New York University Abu Dhabi and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi developed an injectable medical device designed to control nerve activity for treating chronic pain and movement disorders. The research describing the device was published in the journal Science Advances.

The device is approximately the size of a small seed and can be delivered into the body using a standard needle. Once positioned near a target nerve, the device delivers controlled electrical signals and is powered wirelessly from outside the body. Medical professionals or patients can adjust the device activity in real time.

Laboratory and preclinical testing demonstrated precise control over nerve stimulation, consistent performance under realistic conditions, and successful in vivo nerve activation. The device can be tracked and monitored using standard medical imaging including ultrasound and CT scans.

Khalil Ramadi, professor of bioengineering at New York University Abu Dhabi and New York University Tandon, served as the study senior author. "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," Ramadi said.

Mohamed Elsherif, a research associate at NYU Abu Dhabi and the study first author, indicated the potential for the technology. "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," Elsherif said.

Sawsan Abdel-Razig, chief academic officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, commented on the collaboration. "This collaboration with New York University 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," Abdel-Razig said.

Co-authors of the paper from NYU Abu Dhabi include Salma Mansour, Zhansaya Makhambetova, Fotoon Aldhanhani, Batoul Khlaifat, Mahmoud Elbeh, Vega Pradana Rachim, and Sohmyung Ha. Additional co-authors from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi include Hicham Abada, Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa, and Carlos M. Abril Vega. The published study has the DOI 10.1126/sciadv.aeg1437.