On December 1, 2025, NeurAxis, a medical technology company specializing in neuromodulation therapies, announced it had been awarded a Veterans Affairs (VA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract for its IB-Stim® therapy. The contract, which is effective immediately, marks a significant step in NeurAxis’s expansion into the VA health system, providing a much-needed treatment for veterans struggling with functional abdominal pain, including those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Dyspepsia (FD).
This milestone comes after years of research and development by NeurAxis, positioning the company as a major player in the treatment of chronic abdominal pain and nausea, conditions that affect a significant portion of the veteran population. The company anticipates that this partnership with the VA, along with upcoming updates to clinical guidelines and reimbursement structures, will enable sustained commercial growth in the coming years.
“We are proud to bring IB-Stim to the VA health system and expand access to a treatment that offers real hope for veterans suffering from chronic abdominal pain,” said Brian Carrico, CEO of NeurAxis. “This award is a crucial step in addressing a pressing medical need and will allow us to better serve the veteran community.”
Key Details of NeurAxis VA Contract and IB-Stim
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | IB-Stim® |
| Technology Type | Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulator (PENFS) |
| Target Conditions | Functional Abdominal Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Functional Dyspepsia (FD) |
| FDA Approval | Yes, for patients 8 years and older |
| VA FSS Contract Effective Date | December 1, 2025 |
| Target Audience | Veterans, aged 8 years and older, with chronic abdominal pain |
| Expected Impact | Expands access to non-drug, non-invasive treatment for chronic abdominal pain among veterans |
| Company Focus | Neuromodulation therapies for chronic conditions |
IB-Stim® Therapy: A Non-Invasive Solution for Chronic Abdominal Pain
IB-Stim® is a drug-free neuromodulation therapy designed to help alleviate functional abdominal pain, particularly for conditions such as IBS and FD. It is the first FDA-cleared therapy for functional dyspepsia, a condition for which there are currently no FDA-approved drug therapies.
The device works by stimulating cranial nerve bundles in the ear, which regulates the pain signaling between the gut and brain. The IB-Stim system provides a non-invasive, non-pharmacological alternative for patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain who have found limited relief from traditional drug treatments.
“IB-Stim® represents a significant breakthrough for patients suffering from functional abdominal pain, particularly those with conditions like FD, where there are limited effective treatments. This therapy offers a much-needed alternative,” said Dr. Sarah O’Neill, a gastroenterologist and researcher specializing in functional gastrointestinal disorders.
How the VA Contract Benefits Veterans?
The VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract will allow NeurAxis to provide IB-Stim® therapy directly to the VA health system, which serves nearly 7 million active patients annually. With the VA’s increasing focus on expanding access to innovative treatments, IB-Stim® will be available to thousands of veterans suffering from conditions like IBS and FD.
Veterans with chronic abdominal pain will benefit from the IB-Stim® device through VA medical facilities, where they can receive personalized treatment options designed to improve their quality of life. NeurAxis is optimistic that this new pathway will facilitate more widespread adoption of their non-invasive neuromodulation therapy among veterans in need of alternative treatments.
NeurAxis’ Strategy for Growth
The VA contract marks a pivotal moment in NeurAxis’ growth strategy as the company expands its presence in the U.S. government sector, specifically within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Brian Carrico, the CEO of NeurAxis, expressed excitement over the opportunity, stating that the $1,550 Category I CPT code set to take effect in January 2026 will provide guideline-level clinical recognition for IB-Stim® and further boost reimbursement potential.
With NeurAxis focusing its efforts on strengthening relationships with VA health providers and scaling its outreach to ensure effective treatment deployment, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth. The contract, combined with increasing clinical adoption and a growing clinical evidence base, ensures that NeurAxis is set to make a meaningful impact on the treatment of chronic abdominal pain for veterans in the coming years.
“Securing a VA contract for IB-Stim® is a significant achievement. It not only increases access to critical care for veterans but also demonstrates the growing demand for non-invasive therapies in healthcare settings,” said Jeff Slaikeu, Senior Program Manager for the VA Portland Health Care System.
Final Thought
The VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract awarded to NeurAxis for IB-Stim® therapy is a significant step in providing veterans with a non-invasive, drug-free solution for chronic abdominal pain. This treatment, available in 2026, addresses a critical healthcare gap for veterans suffering from IBS and FD.
By expanding access to innovative therapies, this partnership showcases NeurAxis’s commitment to improving veterans’ quality of life and highlights the evolving VA healthcare system in meeting the needs of those who served.
FAQs
What is IB-Stim®?
IB-Stim® is an FDA-approved, non-invasive device that helps treat chronic abdominal pain by stimulating cranial nerve bundles in the ear to regulate pain signals between the gut and brain.
Who is eligible for IB-Stim® therapy through the VA?
Veterans aged 8 years and older with functional abdominal pain due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia (FD) are eligible for IB-Stim® therapy.
When will IB-Stim® be available to veterans?
The therapy will be available at VA medical facilities starting in January 2026 under the newly awarded VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract.
How does IB-Stim® work?
IB-Stim® uses percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation (PENFS) to stimulate cranial nerve bundles, helping to regulate the pain between the gut and brain, offering relief from chronic abdominal pain.
Can IB-Stim® be used for conditions other than abdominal pain?
Currently, IB-Stim® is FDA-cleared for functional abdominal pain associated with IBS and FD, and it is not approved for other conditions at this time.
