gammaCore Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) Shown to be Effective in Treating Concussive Symptoms Associated with Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries

Rhea-AI Summary

electroCore (Nasdaq: ECOR) announced new data demonstrating the effectiveness of gammaCore non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) in treating concussion symptoms from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The study, presented at the 2025 International Brain Injury Association World Congress, involved 102 patients and showed significant improvements in 22 out of 27 measured concussive symptoms.

Key findings revealed notable improvements in post-traumatic headache, nausea, dizziness, and depression. Importantly, the treatment showed similar effectiveness regardless of injury timing, benefiting both recent cases (under three months) and older injuries (over three years), suggesting neuromodulation's potential as a long-term treatment option.

Positive

• Clinical study showed significant improvement in 22 out of 27 concussive symptoms
• Treatment effective for both recent and long-term brain injuries, expanding potential patient base
• Demonstrated efficacy in large patient cohort (102 patients)

Negative

• 5 out of 27 measured symptoms did not show significant improvement

Insights

Medical Device Analyst

electroCore's gammaCore shows strong efficacy in treating concussion symptoms, potentially expanding its market into the significant mTBI patient population.

The new clinical data for electroCore's gammaCore device represents a meaningful advancement for the company's commercialization strategy. In this 102-patient study, the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation technology demonstrated significant improvements in 22 out of 27 measured concussive symptoms associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), with notable benefits for post-traumatic headache, nausea, dizziness, and depression.

What's particularly compelling from a market expansion perspective is the finding that symptom improvement occurred regardless of injury timing—whether recent (under three months) or older (three years+). This suggests gammaCore could address a substantial untapped patient population suffering from persistent post-concussive symptoms, for whom effective treatment options are

The mTBI market represents a significant opportunity, with millions of concussions occurring annually in the US alone. The demonstration of gammaCore's efficacy in this indication builds upon electroCore's existing clearances in headache conditions, potentially creating synergistic commercial momentum as physicians become familiar with the technology across related neurological indications.

While this conference presentation doesn't yet constitute regulatory clearance for mTBI treatment, it lays important groundwork for potential expanded indications. As a non-pharmaceutical intervention with a strong safety profile, gammaCore is well-positioned to address the growing preference for non-drug approaches to neurological conditions, particularly in a patient population where medication side effects are often problematic.

Neurology Specialist

gammaCore's demonstrated efficacy across multiple concussion symptoms regardless of injury timing represents a potentially significant advancement in mTBI treatment.

The clinical findings presented by Dr. Ament at the International Brain Injury Association World Congress highlight a promising therapeutic approach for a historically challenging condition. The improvement in 22 of 27 measured concussive symptoms is particularly noteworthy, as mTBI typically presents with a complex constellation of symptoms that often prove resistant to conventional treatments.

From a neurological perspective, the mechanism of action—non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation—aligns with our evolving understanding of neuromodulation's role in addressing neuroinflammation and autonomic nervous system dysregulation that occur following brain injury. The vagus nerve serves as a critical communication pathway between the brain and body, and its targeted stimulation may help normalize disrupted neural circuits.

The equal efficacy observed in both recent and long-standing injuries is perhaps the most clinically significant finding. This suggests the potential for neuromodulation to address neuroplastic changes and persistent inflammatory processes even years after the initial trauma—challenging the traditional notion that intervention is most effective only in the acute phase.

For the millions suffering from post-concussion syndrome with symptoms that often persist for months or years, this represents a potential paradigm shift in treatment approach. Current management typically involves symptom-specific medications (often with significant side effects) and multidisciplinary rehabilitation. A single intervention addressing multiple symptom domains could streamline treatment protocols and potentially improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

ROCKAWAY, N.J., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- electroCore, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECOR), a commercial-stage bioelectronic medicine and wellness company, announced today that new data presented at the 2025 International Brain Injury Association World Congress highlights the effectiveness of gammaCore® non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) in treating concussive symptoms associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Dr. Michael Ament of Cherry Creek Neurology presented his study entitled, “Adjunctive Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Helps Reduce Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury,” on March 22, 2025, demonstrating significant symptom relief when using nVNS in patients suffering from mTBI. His findings underscore the urgent need for nonpharmaceutical treatment options to address the complex and often persistent symptoms of mild TBI.

In a study involving 102 patients with mild TBI, adjunctive use of gammaCore (nVNS) significantly improved 22 out of 27 measured concussive symptoms. The most notable improvements were observed in post-traumatic headache, nausea, dizziness, and depression. Importantly, the data showed no significant difference in symptom improvement between patients with recent traumatic brain injuries (three months or less) and those with older injuries (three years or more), suggesting that neuromodulation may be beneficial regardless of the time since injury.

"This study highlights the role of vagus nerve stimulation in alleviating the long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury," said Dr. Ament. "It reinforces that it is never too late to consider neuromodulation as a treatment approach for this challenging patient population."

Dr. Peter Staats, Chief Medical Officer of electroCore, commended Dr. Ament’s research, stating, “Dr. Ament is to be applauded for his efforts in demonstrating the clinical efficacy of gammaCore in improving concussive symptoms in such a large patient cohort. His work highlights the importance of vagus nerve stimulation as a viable treatment option for patients suffering from the debilitating effects of mild TBI.”

About electroCore, Inc.
electroCore, Inc. is a commercial stage bioelectronic medicine and wellness company dedicated to improving health and promoting general wellness through its non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (“nVNS”) technology platform. The Company is focused on commercializing medical devices for managing and treating certain medical conditions and consumer product offerings utilizing nVNS to promote general wellbeing and human performance in the United States and select overseas markets.

For more information, visit www.electrocore.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and other written and oral statements made by representatives of electroCore may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about electroCore's business prospects and clinical and product development plans; its pipeline or potential markets for its technologies; the timing, outcome and impact of regulatory, clinical and commercial developments; the company’s business prospects for and the potential use of gammaCore Sapphire nVNS in treating concussive symptoms associated with mild traumatic brain injury or other new markets and other statements that are not historical in nature, particularly those that utilize terminology such as "anticipates," "will," "expects," "believes," "intends," other words of similar meaning, derivations of such words and the use of future dates. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the ability to raise the additional funding needed to continue to pursue electroCore’s business and product development plans, the inherent uncertainties associated with developing new products or technologies, the ability to commercialize gammaCore™, competition in the industry in which electroCore operates and overall market conditions. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and electroCore assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factor disclosure set forth in the reports and other documents electroCore files with the SEC available at www.sec.gov.

Contact:
ECOR Investor Relations
(973) 302-9253
investors@electrocore.com

FAQ

What were the key findings of electroCore's gammaCore study for mild traumatic brain injury?

The study of 102 patients showed significant improvements in 22 out of 27 concussive symptoms, particularly in post-traumatic headache, nausea, dizziness, and depression.

How effective is gammaCore nVNS for treating both recent and old brain injuries?

The study showed no significant difference in symptom improvement between recent injuries (≤3 months) and older injuries (≥3 years), suggesting effectiveness regardless of injury timing.

What symptoms does gammaCore treat in mild traumatic brain injury patients?

gammaCore treats various concussive symptoms, with most notable improvements in post-traumatic headache, nausea, dizziness, and depression.

What is the significance of electroCore's latest brain injury treatment study for ECOR stock?

The study demonstrates gammaCore's clinical efficacy in treating mTBI symptoms across a large patient cohort, potentially expanding its market opportunities in neuromodulation treatment.