Nerve

Nerve capability encompasses diagnostics, monitoring, neuroprotection, and regenerative strategies for peripheral and cranial nerve injuries seen in blast, penetrating, and polytrauma. Focus areas include point-of-injury assessment, biomaterials and cell therapies to accelerate axonal regeneration, neuromodulation for functional recovery, and solutions optimized for austere and prolonged-field care.

Technical Challenges

  • Rapid, objective point-of-injury diagnostics to distinguish neuropraxia, axonotmesis, and neurotmesis

  • Effective, field-deployable neuroprotective interventions to limit secondary degeneration after blast or ischemia

  • Scalable regenerative solutions (conduits, grafts, cell therapies) that restore function in mixed-tissue polytrauma

  • Robust monitoring of nerve recovery in austere/prolonged environments (biomarkers, wearable electrophysiology)

Emerging Opportunities

  • Validated biomarkers and imaging tools for early prognostication and triage of nerve injuries

  • Portable therapies and delivery systems that work despite contamination, biofilms, or delayed evacuation

  • Integrated neuromodulation and rehabilitation platforms suitable for field use to accelerate functional return

  • Regulatory pathways and manufacturing scale-up for advanced cell/biologic nerve repair products

Current and Emerging Technologies in Nerve

Point-of-injury diagnostics

Portable electrophysiology, handheld ultrasound protocols, and biomarker-based assays to rapidly assess nerve continuity and severity at the point of injury.

Biomaterials and nerve conduits

Advanced synthetic and natural conduits, aligned nanofibers, and drug-eluting scaffolds that guide axonal regrowth and modulate inflammation in contaminated wounds.

Cell and gene therapies

Autologous and allogeneic Schwann cell, stem cell, and gene-modification approaches to promote remyelination, axonal sprouting, and long-term functional recovery.

Neuromodulation and neuroprosthetics

Implantable and wearable neuromodulation systems, closed-loop stimulators, and peripheral nerve interfaces to restore motor control and reduce neuropathic pain.

Imaging and functional monitoring

Advanced ultrasound, diffusion MRI techniques, and wearable EMG/nerve conduction devices for longitudinal assessment of regeneration and rehabilitation progress.

Bioelectronic and diagnostic integration

Sensor-to-therapy platforms that combine diagnostics, decision support, and targeted therapeutic delivery for decentralized care in austere settings.

Importance to Military Medicine

Combat casualty care

High incidence of peripheral and cranial nerve injuries from blasts and penetrating trauma necessitates rapid diagnosis and interventions to preserve limb and neurologic function.

Prolonged and austere field care

Technologies must perform despite delayed evacuation, contamination, and limited resources—critical for maintaining force health and preventing long-term disability.

Readiness and return-to-duty

Restoring nerve function expedites rehabilitation, preserves operational readiness, and reduces long-term care burdens for the DoD and VA.

Dual-use public health impact

Advances also translate to civilian trauma, surgical reconstruction, peripheral neuropathies, and chronic pain management.

Alignment with the MTEC Mission

Accelerates translation of military-relevant nerve therapies from lab to field through consortium-enabled collaboration and targeted DoD funding.

Supports multidisciplinary projects spanning diagnostics, biomaterials, cell therapies, and devices aligned with MTEC’s broad trauma and regenerative portfolio.

Prioritizes solutions optimized for austere and prolonged care environments, directly addressing DoD operational medicine needs.

Encourages dual-use outcomes that benefit civilian trauma care, accelerating broader public health impact.

Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications

Military and civilian trauma care: improved triage, repair, and rehabilitation pathways reduce morbidity and long-term disability.

Chronic disease and rehabilitation: nerve regeneration and neuromodulation methods translate to diabetic neuropathy, peripheral nerve compression, and chronic pain management.

Surgical reconstruction and prosthetic integration: interfaces and conduits that improve outcomes after limb salvage and amputation.

Public health readiness: scalable manufacturing and regulatory pathways developed for military use accelerate civilian access to advanced nerve therapies.

Explore MTEC Members with Nerve Capabilities

MTEC members — including industry, academia, and clinical partners — bring cross-disciplinary expertise in biomaterials, cell therapy, bioelectronics, and field-deployable diagnostics to solve complex nerve problems at scale.

Explore member profiles to identify partners with capabilities in rapid diagnostics, GMP manufacturing, regulatory strategy, and military-relevant clinical trial design to accelerate battlefield-ready nerve solutions.

95 Members with Nerve capabilities.

Member
The University of Texas System

The University of Texas System is a leading public university system in the United States, dedicated to improving lives through education, health care, and research. With over 256,000 students enrolled across 14 institutions, the UT System is committed to providing affordable access to higher education and producing a skilled workforce to drive Texas's economy.

Member
Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI)

The Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) is a member-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the bioeconomy of the United States. Its mission encompasses enhancing manufacturing, healthcare, and education and workforce development, aiming to create a scalable and effective manufacturing ecosystem for engineered cells, tissues, and organs.

Member
Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.

Member
FiteBac Pharma

FiteBac Technology/FiteBac Pharma's K21 uniquely targets the underlying disease state, given that most diseases involve microbial-associated inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. FiteBac Technology innovations stem from the work of numerous international academic research scientists. FiteBac Pharma K21 is the blockbuster antimicrobial small molecule designed to modulate biological, immunological, and metabolic systems for treating a wide range of infectious and inflammatory diseases. This patented drug substance has demonstrated the ability to safely eliminate bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, enhance innate immunity, induce mitophagy while improving mitochondrial and cellular metabolism, accelerate wound healing, and even promote the development of zebrafish and chickens, leading to increased adult mass. Rigorous research from Dr. Bhupesh Prusty's laboratory and Dr Christopher Rongo's laboratory is focused on various aspects of mitochondrial remodeling and reprograming, as well as mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling with K21.

Member
NervGen Pharma Corp

NervGen Pharma Corp is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing innovative treatments to enable nervous system repair in cases of traumatic injury and disease. Their lead drug candidate, NVG-291, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial for spinal cord injury, with additional preclinical evaluations for conditions such as ischemic stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company is also advancing a new development candidate, NVG-300, in preclinical studies.

Member
The University of Texas at San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research, teaching, and community engagement. As a premier public research university, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic development, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

Member
Auburn University

Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.

Member
University of Arkansas

The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I3R) at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to pioneering solutions to complex societal challenges through convergence research. With a mission to advance research excellence and stimulate economic development, I3R focuses on deploying innovations at scale through collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.

Member
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

UTMB is dedicated to supporting research, education, and scholarly endeavors, with a focus on creating the future of healthcare through innovative research and community engagement.

Member
Neuraptive Therapeutics, Inc.

Neuraptive Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies to improve outcomes in peripheral nerve injuries (PNI). Their mission is to enhance the quality and speed of recovery for patients suffering from traumatic injuries or undergoing reconstructive surgeries, utilizing innovative technologies such as NTX-001, a nerve fusion system, and specialized microsurgical instruments.

Member
The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a prestigious urban research university committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1890, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is known for its transformative education and groundbreaking research across various fields. The university fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment, encouraging participation from all community members.

Member
Boston University

Boston University is a major research institution committed to leading breakthroughs across various disciplines. The Office of Research supports and advances research excellence, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and government leaders to address significant societal challenges.

Member
Baylor University

Baylor University is a preeminent Christian research university committed to addressing the world's most meaningful challenges through top-tier research and scholarship. Recognized as an R1 research institution, Baylor focuses on infusing its distinct Christian mission into its research initiatives, fostering a commitment to excellence and innovation.

Member
Sana Health

Military Operational Medicine funded for PTSD, Adjustment Disorder and Pain and Sleep (over $5m). 3 trials in progress. Sana Health is an FDA Breakthrough Designated Device, currently in front of the FDA for Neuropathic Pain as a de novo - expecting to be on market Q4 2025. Sana is a wearable audiovisual neuromodulation device, that provides anxiety and pain relief, and sleep on demand. $25m raised to date, and in the middle of a Series A extension SAFE note round.

Member
NuShores Biosciences LLC

NuShores Biosciences LLC, founded in 2014, is dedicated to commercializing patented bone and tissue regeneration technologies developed at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The company aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with severe tissue regeneration needs through innovative solutions like the NuCress™ bone scaffold technology, which is designed to promote healing in large segmental bone defects.

Member
Altec

Altec is dedicated to advancing human potential by developing innovative human sensing technologies that enhance health science, operational security, and human performance. Founded in 1997 by Carlo De Luca, the company focuses on translating cutting-edge concepts into practical solutions that shape our understanding of human physiology. Altec's mission is to reimagine human potential through discovery, innovation, and collaboration, making significant strides in healthcare, security, and performance enhancement.

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