Nevro Turns to AI to Enhance SCS Offerings

Nevro is bringing artificial intelligence to its spinal cord stimulation solutions.

The Redwood City, CA-based company said it won FDA approval for the HFX iQ with HFX AdaptivAI - a responsive, personalized pain management platform. Nevro will have a limited market release to start and then branch off to a full market release in 4Q24.

HFX AdaptiveAI gathers real-time quality of life (QoL) metrics and device data, enabling more impactful patient-clinician interactions. This real-time information helps patients report pain relief in significantly less time than with traditional programming, the company said.

There is also the potential for physicians to remotely monitor each of their patient's pain journeys in real-time through Nevro's healthcare provider portal.

"Nevro is further establishing its position as the leading developer of data-driven solutions for pain management through the launch of HFX iQ with HFX AdaptivAI," said Kevin Thornal, Nevro's CEO and president. "HFX AdaptivAI delivers personalized pain relief, utilizing AI and leveraging millions of data points and ten years of innovation and patient care. We believe this new solution is a major milestone, and it demonstrates our dedication to freeing patients from the burden of chronic pain through evidence-based therapies that transform patients' lives. Importantly, HFX AdaptivAI puts patients in control of their pain relief while, at the same time, providing physicians the ability to monitor their patient's pain journey – closing the loop that matters."

Related:Nevro Lays Off 5% of Workforce

What Does the Future Hold for Nevro?

About a month ago, Nevro executives said they were looking at strategic alternatives because of increased competition in the SCS market. The company said these alternatives could be these strategic options could include the sale of the business or to diversify the product portfolio.

During an August earnings call, Thornal noted an advantage that Nevro’s SCS devices could have over competitors.

“Our SCS devices have rechargeable batteries with a very long functional life,” Thornal said according to a Seeking Alpha transcript of the call. “Yet, they will eventually need to be replaced, as has been the case with our competitors for decades. We believe many of our patients will want to continue using our best-in-class and clinically-proven high-frequency therapy and access our newer AI-enabled HFX iQ system, which uses real-time patient data to enable on-demand therapy adjustments and proactive care within 48 hours. As a reminder, we began treating a significant number of patients commercially in late 2015, which means patients implanted with our IPG during that time are now nearing the natural life of their IPG battery. And many of those patients in consultation with their doctors will choose to replace their device with a new one.”

Related:Nevro Ponders Next Move After Competition Increases in SCS Market