Issue: March 2023
Fact checked byHeather Biele

Read more

February 01, 2023
1 min read
Save

FDA approves 4th-generation neurostimulator for fecal incontinence, overactive bladder

Issue: March 2023
Fact checked byHeather Biele
You've successfully added to your alerts. You will receive an email when new content is published.

Click Here to Manage Email Alerts

We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com.

The FDA has approved Axonics Inc.’s fourth-generation R20 rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system for bladder and bowel dysfunction.

According to a company release, the R20 neurostimulator has been labeled for a functional life span of at least 20 years, decreasing the frequency with which patients need to recharge their implanted device to once every 6 to 10 months for 1 hour compared with the third generation’s once a month for 1 hour. Like the Axonics R15, the newer R20 uses the same 5cc form factor and has a similar patient remote control.

FDA HQ in Washington
“Patients with overactive bladder tell us that first and foremost, they value efficacy and a long-lived solution to address their chronic condition,” John Woock, PhD, said in the release.
Image: Adobe Stock

“Delivering a superior patient experience has been at the forefront of our sacral neuromodulation development efforts,” John Woock, PhD, executive vice president and chief marketing and strategy officer at Axonics, said in the release. “Patients with overactive bladder tell us that first and foremost, they value efficacy and a long-lived solution to address their chronic condition. The Axonics R20, which requires recharging just twice per year, represents another significant breakthrough for rechargeable neuromodulation devices and underscores our commitment to continuous innovation.”

He continued, “We are confident that Axonics’ keen focus on the incontinence patient population and increasing public awareness of sacral neuromodulation has the potential to drive significant market expansion in the years ahead.”

The company plans to commercially launch the R20 model in the U.S. in March.