Feinstein Institutes' Bioelectronic Medicine Research Earns TIME Recognition
Event summary
- Kevin J. Tracey, President and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, has been named an “Innovator” on TIME’s 2026 Health list.
- Tracey’s research pioneered bioelectronic medicine, combining neuroscience, immunology, and engineering to treat disease with technology.
- Northwell Health became the first health system to treat a patient with an FDA-approved vagus nerve stimulation device for rheumatoid arthritis in July 2025.
- TIME recognized Northwell in its 2025 Most Influential Companies list and its ‘double neural bypass’ innovation in the TIME Hall of Fame.
The big picture
The recognition validates the growing field of bioelectronic medicine, which represents a potential paradigm shift away from traditional pharmaceutical interventions. Northwell’s early adoption and investment in this area positions it as a leader, but the long-term success depends on demonstrating clinical efficacy and economic value. The TIME recognition provides a significant boost to the Institutes’ profile and could accelerate fundraising and partnerships.
What we're watching
- Commercialization
- The success of bioelectronic medicine hinges on the continued FDA approval and adoption of new therapies, and Northwell’s ability to scale its Center for Bioelectronic Medicine will be a key indicator.
- Reimbursement
- The financial viability of bioelectronic therapies will depend on securing favorable reimbursement rates from insurers, which could be a significant hurdle given the novelty of the treatment approach.
- Competitive Landscape
- While Tracey’s work is foundational, other research groups and companies will likely pursue similar bioelectronic approaches, potentially intensifying competition and impacting Northwell’s market position.
Related topics