Testing an implanted nerve stimulator for multiple sclerosis recovery

Plain-English translation of NCT06796504 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing the SetPoint System, a small electronic device that is surgically implanted on the vagus nerve (a major nerve in your neck) to deliver gentle electrical stimulation. Researchers believe this stimulation may help your brain repair damage caused by relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The study will compare people who receive active stimulation to those who receive a sham (inactive) procedure to see if the treatment is safe and actually helps the brain heal.

Current treatments for multiple sclerosis help reduce relapses, but they don't repair the damage that has already happened to the brain and nervous system. This trial is exploring whether stimulating a specific nerve can trigger the body's natural healing process and help repair that damage.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 22 and 50 years old
you have been diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
you have had no MS relapses for at least 12 months before enrolling
you are currently taking a stable disease-modifying therapy for MS
you have specific vision changes (measured by a visual evoked potential test) that show nerve fiber damage

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had an MS relapse or steroid treatment for MS symptoms in the past 30 days
you have eye diseases or conditions (such as cataracts, glaucoma, or severe myopia) that could affect your vision tests
you have had optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve) in the past 6 months
you regularly use nicotine products or have done so in the past year
you are not able to have surgery or cannot safely undergo general anesthesia

What participation looks like

You will have surgery under general anesthesia to implant a small device on the vagus nerve in your neck. For 48 weeks, the device will deliver one minute of stimulation once per day (or sham stimulation if you're in the control group). You'll have regular check-ups and tests, including vision tests and brain MRI scans, to monitor your safety and whether the treatment is helping. After 48 weeks, researchers will reveal which group you were in, and then all participants will receive active stimulation for another 48 weeks to evaluate long-term effects.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 19, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing an implanted nerve stimulator for multiple sclerosis recovery

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(8 sites)