New Data Shows Lasting Pain Relief from 60-Day Nerve Stimulation

LAS VEGAS, NV – January 22, 2026 – As pain management specialists gather for the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) annual meeting, new clinical data is highlighting a promising path for patients seeking relief without permanent implants or opioids. Cleveland-based SPR Therapeutics is featuring a significant body of evidence for its SPRINT® PNS System, a minimally invasive device designed to provide substantial pain relief after just a 60-day treatment period.

Among eight abstracts being presented, the company is offering the first look at 12-month outcomes for patients who suffered from persistent pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The results suggest that a short-term, temporary intervention can lead to durable, long-term benefits, a finding that could shift treatment paradigms for millions.

A New Wave of Evidence for Short-Term Stimulation

The data presented at NANS 2026 adds considerable weight to the clinical foundation of short-term peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). The centerpiece is the 12-month follow-up from a multicenter, double-blind randomized controlled trial funded in large part by the U.S. Department of Defense. The trial focused on patients with persistent postoperative pain, a condition affecting an estimated 10-20 percent of the 800,000 TKA patients in the United States annually.

The most compelling findings come from a cohort of nine participants who initially received a placebo (sham) treatment. After the placebo phase, these patients were given the option to "cross over" and receive the active 60-day SPRINT PNS treatment. The results were stark: participants reported significantly greater pain relief with the active SPRINT system compared to the placebo.

More impressively, the relief appears to be lasting. A majority of these crossover patients reported experiencing only mild or no pain at the end of the 60-day treatment, a benefit that was sustained at their 12-month follow-up appointment. Throughout the study, there were no serious or unanticipated adverse events related to the device. The most common side effect was minor skin irritation, a manageable issue compared to the risks associated with long-term opioid use or more invasive surgical procedures.

“The volume of published data on SPRINT PNS treatment continues to grow rapidly and we are proud to deliver the largest body of clinical evidence in PNS to the marketplace and physicians,” said Maria Bennett, President, CEO, and Founder of SPR, in a statement. “As SPRINT PNS continues to advance in the treatment continuum and be used in treating pain throughout the body, we are encouraged by the consistency and durability in the reduction of pain across indications.”

The company's data blitz at NANS extends beyond knee pain, with presentations covering its application for challenging conditions like chronic low back pain and occipital headaches, with some studies demonstrating durable relief for up to five years.

Carving a Niche Beyond the Permanent Implant

The global peripheral nerve stimulators market, valued at over $1.25 billion, is a competitive space dominated by giants like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Abbott. These companies have traditionally focused on permanent, implantable neuromodulation devices. However, SPR Therapeutics is strategically positioning its SPRINT system not as a direct competitor, but as a distinct, first-line alternative.

The system’s core innovation is its temporary nature. Unlike permanent implants that require a surgical procedure and leave hardware in the body indefinitely, the SPRINT system involves placing a thin, wire-like lead near the target nerve for 60 days. The lead is connected to a small, wearable external stimulator. At the end of the treatment period, the lead is withdrawn without the need for surgery. This approach directly targets a significant patient population hesitant to commit to a permanent implant.

This patient-centric model is gaining traction in a market where external PNS devices are projected to see the highest growth rate. The SPRINT system's proposed mechanism—reconditioning the central nervous system to provide sustained relief long after the device is removed—offers the prospect of a long-term solution without a long-term commitment. This has attracted significant investor confidence, evidenced by an $85 million financing round secured in early 2024 to fuel the company's commercial expansion.

While other companies like Bioventus are also exploring the external neuromodulation space, SPR's extensive and growing body of clinical evidence, including seven successful randomized controlled trials, sets it apart and solidifies its leadership in the 60-day PNS category.

The SPRINT Towards Opioid-Free Pain Relief

Against the backdrop of a persistent opioid crisis, the demand for effective, non-addictive pain management solutions has never been greater. The SPRINT system is positioned as a drug-free, surgery-free option that can be used for a wide range of conditions, from acute post-surgical pain to chronic low back, shoulder, and knee pain.

By providing an alternative that avoids the risks of both opioid dependence and permanent surgery, the technology addresses a critical unmet need. Its potential impact is supported by large-scale, real-world evidence. A retrospective review of more than 6,100 patients treated with the SPRINT system found that over 71% experienced a significant reduction in pain and/or a meaningful improvement in their quality of life following the 60-day treatment.

The durability of these outcomes is a key part of the value proposition. In a separate multicenter study on chronic axial back pain, approximately 68% of patients who completed the 60-day treatment reported clinically significant pain relief four years later. This suggests that the temporary stimulation can create a lasting neuromodulatory effect, fundamentally altering the body's pain signaling pathways for the better.

Navigating the Path to Patient Access

Despite the strong clinical data and clear patient benefits, a primary hurdle for any new medical technology is securing insurance coverage and reimbursement. Historically, some commercial insurance plans have been slow to adopt, labeling temporary PNS as "investigational." This has created access barriers for patients and administrative burdens for providers.

However, the landscape is shifting. Recognizing the growing evidence and clinical need, regulators have taken steps to improve access. A significant milestone was the creation of a new Medicare-specific HCPCS code (C9807), which became effective on January 1, 2025. This code specifically describes the percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulator system for post-surgical pain, streamlining the billing and reimbursement process within the Medicare system.

To bridge the remaining gaps with commercial payers, SPR has established its SPRcare Patient Access Program, a dedicated service to help providers and patients navigate prior authorizations and appeals. The continuous publication of high-quality data, like the studies being showcased at NANS 2026, is the most powerful tool in these efforts. Each successful trial and positive long-term outcome provides payers with the justification needed to update their medical policies and expand coverage. This growing acceptance suggests that for many patients, a temporary, 60-day intervention could be the key to unlocking long-term relief from debilitating pain.