In this recent conversation with Andrew Brewer on the Healthcare Insights podcast, Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, neurosurgeon and President of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, shared groundbreaking insights into the role of the vagus nerve in regulating inflammation.

Dr. Tracey explained how the vagus nerve acts as a communication superhighway between the brain and immune system, capable of modulating inflammation through what he calls the “inflammatory reflex.” This discovery has led to the development of the FDA-approved SetPoint Therapy System—a non-drug, implantable device that delivers a one-minute daily pulse to reduce inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Unlike traditional biologics, this therapy does not suppress the immune system, offering a safer and more targeted alternative. With promising results in clinical trials and potential applications in multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and stroke recovery, vagus nerve stimulation is poised to redefine how we treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Listen to Episode 130 by searching "Healthcare Insights in Northwest North Carolina" wherever you listen to podcasts or click the play link below.