PainTEQ Taps Neuromodulation Expert to Spearhead Clinical Research

TAMPA, FL – January 13, 2026 – PainTEQ, a medical device firm focused on sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, has appointed Lalit Venkatesan, PhD, as its new Senior Vice President of Clinical Research. The move signals a significant strategic pivot towards bolstering the scientific evidence behind its minimally invasive pain solutions in a rapidly growing and competitive market.

Dr. Venkatesan, a recognized leader with over a decade of experience in neuromodulation and medical device innovation, will now helm PainTEQ's entire clinical research apparatus. His mandate includes overseeing evidence generation, scientific communications, and clinical development for the company's portfolio, which is centered on its LinQ SI Joint Stabilization System.

A Strategic Bet on Scientific Rigor

In a field where physician trust and patient outcomes are paramount, PainTEQ's leadership is framing this appointment as a foundational investment in credibility. "We are thrilled to welcome Lalit to the PainTEQ leadership team," said Shanth Thiyagalingam, Chief Executive Officer of PainTEQ. "His experience leading global clinical research and evidence strategies will be instrumental as we continue to invest in clinical science and support responsible adoption of minimally invasive SI joint therapies."

Dr. Venkatesan's career is marked by leadership roles at the forefront of pain management technology. He most recently served as Senior Director of Global Medical Affairs at Saluda Medical, where he was a key figure in advancing closed-loop spinal cord stimulation research. Before that, he held leadership positions at Abbott Neuromodulation and Natus Medical, contributing to clinical programs for chronic pain and movement disorders. His work has earned him accolades such as the Abbott Chairman's Award and inclusion in Business Insider's "30 Under 40 MedTech Healthcare Leaders."

This background in generating and disseminating high-quality clinical data is precisely what PainTEQ aims to leverage. "PainTEQ has a unique opportunity to help redefine how SI joint dysfunction is studied and treated," Dr. Venkatesan stated. "I am excited to join the team and focus on building a strong, transparent clinical evidence foundation that supports physicians in delivering meaningful outcomes for their patients."

Navigating a Competitive and Evolving Market

The strategic emphasis on clinical evidence comes as the market for SI joint solutions is experiencing explosive growth. SI joint dysfunction is a notoriously underdiagnosed condition, yet it is responsible for an estimated 15-30% of all chronic low back pain cases. As diagnostics improve and awareness grows, the demand for effective treatments is surging.

The minimally invasive SI joint fusion market is currently valued at approximately $900 million and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 15% in the coming years. This has attracted a host of competitors, from established giants like Medtronic and Zimmer Biomet to specialized pioneers like SI-BONE.

In this crowded arena, PainTEQ has carved out a niche with its LinQ system, a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a single allograft implant into the SI joint to provide stability. The company reports that its system has been used in over 14,000 procedures to date. However, to capture greater market share and become a standard of care, simply having an effective product is not enough. Demonstrating long-term safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness through rigorous clinical trials is the new benchmark for success.

The Neuromodulation Edge: More Than Just Mechanics?

What makes Dr. Venkatesan's appointment particularly noteworthy is his deep expertise in neuromodulation—a field of science and medicine that involves altering nerve activity through targeted electrical or chemical stimuli. This is a significant departure from the purely biomechanical approach of joint fusion. Technologies like spinal cord stimulators, which Dr. Venkatesan helped advance at Saluda and Abbott, represent a sophisticated method of managing chronic pain by intercepting pain signals before they reach the brain.

This background suggests PainTEQ's future strategy may extend beyond simple joint stabilization. The hiring of a neuromodulation expert could signal an ambition to explore hybrid therapies, develop new devices that incorporate bioelectrical principles, or even expand into the broader chronic pain management device market. It reflects a growing understanding in the medical community that chronic pain is a complex neurological issue, not just a structural problem.

This sentiment is echoed by outside experts. "Lalit brings a level of scientific rigor and strategic leadership that is essential for advancing credible clinical evidence in this space," said Dr. Corey Hunter, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Montefiore Medical Center. "His background in neuromodulation and medical device research strengthens PainTEQ's ability to generate high-quality data that physicians rely on when evaluating treatment options for patients with SI joint dysfunction."

The Currency of Credibility in MedTech

In today's healthcare landscape, clinical data is the ultimate currency. It is the bedrock upon which regulatory approvals are granted, physician confidence is built, and—perhaps most importantly—reimbursement from insurance payers is secured. For medical device companies like PainTEQ, a robust portfolio of evidence is not just a scientific asset but a critical business driver.

A strong clinical research program, led by an experienced strategist like Dr. Venkatesan, can help a company navigate the complex demands of the FDA, which increasingly values real-world evidence alongside traditional randomized controlled trials. Furthermore, compelling data on patient outcomes and health economics (HEOR) can persuade hospital administrators and payers that a new technology is not only effective but also provides value to the healthcare system by reducing long-term costs.

By bringing in a leader with a proven track record in generating this level of evidence, PainTEQ is making a clear statement about its long-term vision. The company is positioning itself not just as a provider of an implant, but as a science-driven partner for clinicians dedicated to solving the complex challenge of chronic SI joint pain. This strategic investment in clinical leadership could be the deciding factor in its quest to become a dominant force in the pain management sector.