Bioelectronic Medicine & Neurostimulation
Axonics Sacral Neuromodulation System
by Axonics, Inc.
Long-lasting sacral neuromodulation that restores bladder and bowel control
Category
Bioelectronic Medicine & Neurostimulation
Founded
2012
Headquarters
Irvine, CA, USA
Overview
Axonics developed a miniaturized, rechargeable sacral neuromodulation (SNM) system designed to treat overactive bladder, urinary retention, fecal incontinence, and related pelvic floor conditions. The Axonics System delivers mild electrical impulses to the sacral nerves that regulate bladder and bowel function, modulating the neural pathways that control voiding behavior. Its rechargeable battery is designed to last 15 or more years, eliminating the frequent replacement surgeries associated with older non-rechargeable devices. Urologists, urogynecologists, and colorectal surgeons implant the Axonics System in patients who have not responded adequately to conservative therapies such as medications or pelvic floor exercises. The system's small form factor and external wireless charger make it practical for a broad range of patients, including those with anatomical considerations that previously made SNM implantation difficult. Axonics was acquired by Becton Dickinson in 2024, giving the platform global distribution scale and integration into a broader urology and pelvic health portfolio. The company pioneered MRI-full-body compatibility for SNM devices, allowing patients to undergo MRI scans without device removal. The trial-to-permanent implant pathway enables physicians and patients to confirm therapeutic benefit before committing to the full implant.
Key Features
AI-Driven Personalization
Machine learning optimizes patient-specific stimulation patterns for improved outcomes.
Non-Invasive Neurostimulation
Transcranial and peripheral neurostimulation options providing therapy without surgical implantation.
Miniaturized Implantable Devices
Ultra-small implantable neurostimulators for precise modulation of specific neural circuits.
Closed-Loop Therapy
Real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters based on continuous physiological feedback.
Targeted Nerve Stimulation
Precise electrical stimulation of specific nerve targets to treat chronic conditions without drugs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +AI-driven patient-specific stimulation patterns optimize treatment outcomes
- +Clinical evidence supports efficacy for chronic pain, depression, epilepsy, and inflammatory disorders
- +Reduced drug dependency through bioelectronic alternatives to chronic pharmaceutical treatments
- +Targeted nerve stimulation treats chronic conditions without pharmaceutical side effects
- +Closed-loop systems adjust stimulation parameters in real-time based on physiological feedback
- +Miniaturized implantable devices enable precise modulation of specific neural circuits
Cons
- −Mechanism of action not fully understood for many neurostimulation therapeutic applications
- −Long-term safety and efficacy data for novel neurostimulation approaches remains limited
- −Patient variability in nerve anatomy creates challenges for consistent treatment outcomes
- −Device implantation requires specialized surgical expertise not widely available
- −Battery life limitations may necessitate replacement procedures for implantable devices
Use Cases
Research Workflow Optimization
AI-powered optimization of research workflows to accelerate discovery timelines and improve reproducibility.
Data Analysis & Insights
Machine learning analysis of complex biological datasets to extract actionable insights and identify patterns.
Collaboration & Knowledge Management
Platform-enabled collaboration across distributed research teams with integrated data sharing and knowledge capture.