Researchers from Rutgers Health, Emory University School of Medicine, and Stevens Institute of Technology have been awarded a $2.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop an advanced brain implant system for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The three-year Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects (R18) grant will fund development of the Epileptic-Network Closed-loop Stimulation Device (enCLS), designed to improve seizure control beyond current treatment options.
Addressing Limitations of Current Technology
Existing responsive neurostimulation devices have shown effectiveness in reducing seizure frequency, but eliminate seizures completely in only 15% to 20% of patients. The new enCLS system aims to address these limitations through enhanced seizure prediction algorithms and the ability to stimulate larger areas of the brain where seizures initiate.
"We are excited to initiate a promising project focused on developing a new treatment option for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy," said Hai Sun, vice chair of clinical affairs and associate professor of neurosurgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and principal investigator of the study. "Our goal is to design and implement a new generation of devices that are equipped with a better seizure prediction algorithm and can stimulate larger areas of the brain where seizures initiate."
Collaborative Research Approach
The interdisciplinary team brings together expertise from multiple institutions. Stevens Institute of Technology will focus on developing computer algorithms and models for the project, while Emory University School of Medicine contributes clinical validation and real-world patient data.
"I'm excited about this grant because it supports the development of a new seizure control device, which could offer a transformative treatment for patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy," said Feng Liu, assistant professor at Stevens' Charles V. Schaefer Jr. School of Engineering and Science.
Clinical Data Integration
Emory's role in the project leverages the institution's position as a high-volume epilepsy surgery center with more than 60 patients implanted with responsive neurostimulation devices. Ezequiel Gleichgerrcht, assistant professor of neurology at Emory University School of Medicine and site principal investigator, leads the clinical arm of the study.
"Our goal is to stop seizures at their earliest stages, ideally before they have a chance to spread," said Gleichgerrcht. "By applying advanced brain network modeling to real-world patient data, we aim to translate this breakthrough technology from animal models into a device that could transform care for people living with drug-resistant epilepsy."
Development Timeline and Impact
The R18 grant mechanism supports development and early testing of new medical technologies that show promise for improving public health but are not yet ready for clinical trials in humans. The research will focus on building and validating a working prototype of the device to prepare for future patient testing.
The team plans to bring the device to market within the next five years. Gleichgerrcht emphasized the potential impact, noting that "this type of epilepsy can have a devastating impact on quality of life, and current treatment options are limited."
The collaborative effort represents a significant step toward developing minimally invasive neuromodulatory technologies aimed at improving seizure control and quality of life for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. RWJBarnabas Health will support patient recruitment and clinical integration efforts as the project progresses toward clinical application.
