Academic Medical Center scientists have implanted tiny pacemaker-like devices in the necks of 20 patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis, reducing joint pain with out drugs. The trial was led by Professor Paul-Peter Tak.

The implant stimulates the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to major organs, and is responsible for automatic body functions. Spleen activity was reduced after impulses were fired for three minutes a day. In less than a week, participant’s spleens produced fewer chemicals and other immune cells that cause abnormal joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

GlaxoSmithKline, a partner in the study, hopes that the same technique could, in the future, reverse other chronic conditions, including asthma, obesity and diabetes.