Expanded sizes and preclinical testing of Nerve Tape, a sutureless wrap to reconnect injured nerves
Official title: Line extension and expanded preclinical evidence for Nerve Tape, a sutureless nerve repair coaptation device
Funded at Biocircuit Technologies, INC. · NIH-11194261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing larger sizes and collecting safety and performance data for Nerve Tape, a biologic wrap with tiny hooks that helps surgeons reconnect injured peripheral nerves without stitches for people with paralysis, numbness, or chronic pain from nerve injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Biocircuit Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $956,147 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NS097113-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with peripheral nerve injuries—especially small digital nerves, facial nerves, or branched motor nerve injuries—would be the intended candidates for this device and for future clinical trials.
✕Less likely to help
This work is unlikely to help people with central nervous system injuries, very large nerve gaps that require grafts, or nerve problems not suited to being held by a wrap-and-microhook device.
What this research studies
If you have a cut or crushed peripheral nerve, this project aims to make a new option called Nerve Tape available in more sizes to fit small digital, facial, and branched motor nerves. The device is a biologic wrap with microscopic Nitinol hooks that gently grip the outer nerve tissue so surgeons can align and hold the two ends without using microsutures. The team will run preclinical tests using lab models, cadaver tissue, and animal models to collect safety and performance data that will inform surgeons and support product launch. The goal is to make repairs faster, more consistent, and easier for a wider set of surgeons.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive faster, more consistent nerve repairs that reduce operating time and may improve recovery of movement, sensation, and pain.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior animal and early clinical work with nerve wraps and sutureless coaptation approaches has shown promise, but the microhook design and expanded size range of Nerve Tape are a novel combination that still requires preclinical confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
Biocircuit Technologies, INC.
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clement, Ryan S — Biocircuit Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Clement, Ryan S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.