Self-powered implant that uses stomach movements to help control weight
Implantable Self-Powered Biofeedback Vagus Nerve Stimulator for Weight Control
This project is developing a tiny, battery-free implant that senses stomach motion and gently stimulates the vagus nerve to help adults manage food intake and weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170474 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is designing a flexible, implantable piezoelectric device that sits on the stomach and generates electrical pulses only when the stomach moves during eating. The device creates a closed-loop biofeedback signal to the vagus nerve without batteries or external electronics. In earlier rat tests the implant reduced weight gain by about 38% over 100 days, and researchers will tune the stimulation strength and materials to match levels used in neuromodulation. These preclinical steps aim to improve safety, durability, and effectiveness before any human testing is planned.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (typically 21 years and older) with overweight or obesity who are considering device-based treatments after trying standard weight‑loss methods would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People seeking only non‑surgical options, pregnant individuals, or those with medical contraindications to implants or nerve stimulation are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a low‑maintenance, implantable option to reduce appetite and support weight loss with fewer side effects than some existing therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous vagus nerve stimulation approaches have shown mixed results in humans, while this specific battery‑free, closed‑loop system produced promising weight-control effects in animal studies but is novel for people.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xudong — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xudong
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 below.