Neuromodulation via a non-invasive nerve device to help cancer-related wasting
Official title: Neuromodulation of the Gut-Brain Axis to Treat Cancer-Associated Cachexia
Funded at Onvagus, INC. · NIH-11313729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, non-invasive nerve stimulation approach aims to help people with cancer-associated cachexia by targeting the gut–brain axis to improve weight and metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Onvagus, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Woodland Hills, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $398,525 |
| NIH project number | 1R44CA298354-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11313729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with cancer-associated cachexia or significant weight/muscle loss related to cancer, who could participate in future clinical studies or be eligible for related trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without CAC or with conditions not related to gut-brain signaling may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project uses a transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation device to influence signaling between the gut and brain in models of cancer-associated cachexia. It builds on preclinical results in mice showing that modulating the gut-brain axis may improve appetite, metabolism, and wasting seen in CAC. The grant supports preclinical development and safety data to move toward testing in patients, with a focus on understanding how this stimulation affects digestion, energy use, and inflammatory pathways. If promising, the work could inform future human studies to relieve wasting and improve treatment tolerance for cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce wasting and improve quality of life and treatment tolerance for people with CAC.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in CAC mouse models show promising results with gut-brain axis modulation, but human data are not yet available.
Where this research is happening
-
Onvagus, INC.
Woodland Hills, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garrett, Aliesha Danielle — Onvagus, INC.
- Study coordinator: Garrett, Aliesha Danielle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.
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CANCAN: A Virtual Institute to Cure Cancer Cachexia
A broad, collaborative NIH initiative aims to uncover why cancer patients lose weight and muscle and to develop new ways to treat this serious condition.
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Adipose tissue and its role in lung cancer cachexia
A new NIH grant explores how fat tissue around the body may feed lung cancer growth and drive weight loss, with the aim of finding ways to help patients who struggle with cancer cachexia.
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Spatial metabolism mapping in cancer cachexia tissues
Aims to map where and how metabolism changes in tissues affected by cancer cachexia using advanced imaging technology.
-
Innate inflammatory control of cachexia in chronic disease
A research team is studying how inflammation drives cachexia in chronic disease using a parasite model to find therapies that could protect lean body mass without raising infection risk.
-
Nuclear receptors that may stop muscle wasting in cancer
This grant explores whether activating specific muscle-regulating receptors can prevent muscle loss in cancer patients.
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.