Nalu Medical has announced the publication of a study in the journal Pain Management showing that the use of Nalu peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) therapy in chronic pain patients is associated with lower healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and a significant reduction in associated costs, including a 61% overall reduction in outpatient costs.
This independently analysed, real-world study conducted by research firm OM1 evaluated medical claims data in a comprehensive database of more than 340 million patient lives. It compared healthcare-related cost estimates 12 months before versus 12 months after implantation with a Nalu micro-implantable pulse generator (IPG) PNS system in patients receiving an implant between 2019 and 2023.
As detailed in a Nalu press release, patients treated with the Nalu PNS system experienced a 50% reduction in total medical costs in the 12-month period post-implant compared to the 12-month period pre-implant. This led to cost savings of US$13,776 per patient in the 12-month post-implant period, the company claims.
“We are excited to provide the first report of healthcare economic data for a permanent PNS device,” said Hemant Kalia (Invision Health, Rochester, USA), an author of the paper. “As responsible practitioners, it is important that we show healthcare savings in addition to improved patient outcomes in order to ensure patient access to this important therapy.”
Additional key findings of the study are as follows:
- A 61% reduction in mean total outpatient costs—outpatient costs significantly decreased, highlighting potential savings for both patients and healthcare systems
- A 38% reduction in the amount of additional services costs—costs associated with additional services, such as imaging and procedures, saw a notable decline
- A 31% decrease in the number of patients using opioids—the Nalu PNS system may contribute to reduced reliance on opioids for pain management
“These findings show that the Nalu PNS system not only improves patients’ lives by reducing chronic pain, but also significantly reduces healthcare costs,” said Tom West, Nalu chief executive officer (CEO). “The data clearly demonstrate the substantial value of Nalu PNS therapy to private and public payers looking to optimise cost of care. This is a highly effective, clinically proven, opioid-free, long-term solution for patients seeking relief from chronic neuropathic pain.”
