Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center is 1st in NJ to use SetPoint System to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center in Summit has become the first hospital in New Jersey to offer the SetPoint® System, a groundbreaking medical device that uses neuromodulation to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The technology represents a significant advancement for patients whose condition does not respond to traditional therapies.

HOW THE SETPOINT SYSTEM WORKS

The SetPoint System is indicated for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who do not respond to or cannot tolerate biologic or targeted RA drug therapies. The therapy offers a novel, non-pharmacological approach in which a small device is implanted to stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the body's innate anti-inflammatory pathways.

The device, approved by the FDA in 2025, is designed to deliver one-minute daily stimulation to the vagus nerve, activating neural pathways that help regulate inflammation. Clinical data from the pivotal RESET-RA study demonstrated meaningful improvements in disease activity among patients with RA.

LOCAL ACCESS & CLINICAL TEAM

Neurosurgeon Ronald Benitez, MD, Medical Director of Endovascular Neurosurgery at Atlantic Health, performed the first SetPoint System implant in a patient in February 2026. The treatment is now offered in conjunction with Atlantic Health rheumatologists, including physicians at the Institute for Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases (IRAD), based at Atlantic Health Overlook.

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THE SCIENCE BEHIND VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION

Rheumatologist Elliot Rosenstein, MD, co-Director of IRAD at Atlantic Health Overlook, explained the mechanism behind the treatment. "Vagus nerve stimulation through SetPoint has the potential to truly provide relief for people who have exhausted or are not candidates for traditional RA treatment," Rosenstein said. "The connection between the vagus nerve and suppression of autoimmune diseases likely operates through stimulation of the immune functions of the spleen."

ATLANTIC HEALTH'S COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION

Saad Ehtisham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Health, stated the organization's commitment to bringing cutting-edge treatments to Union County patients. "Atlantic Health is consistently recognized for innovative treatments that put patients' quality of life at the center of care. We are thrilled to launch the SetPoint® System for patients living with rheumatoid arthritis, strengthening our commitment to improving lives and building healthier communities across New Jersey."

FAQ

What is the SetPoint System?
The SetPoint System is a medical device that uses neuromodulation (vagus nerve stimulation) to treat rheumatoid arthritis. A small device is implanted to deliver one-minute daily stimulation to the vagus nerve, activating the body's anti-inflammatory pathways.

Who is the SetPoint System designed for?
The device is indicated for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who do not respond to or cannot tolerate biologic or targeted RA drug therapies. It is for patients who need an alternative to traditional RA medications.

How does vagus nerve stimulation treat rheumatoid arthritis?
Vagus nerve stimulation activates neural pathways that help regulate inflammation. The therapy works through the spleen's immune functions to suppress autoimmune disease activity, reducing RA symptoms and disease progression.

When was the SetPoint System approved?
The SetPoint System received FDA approval in 2025 and represents a new category of RA treatment approved in recent years.

When did Atlantic Health Overlook start offering SetPoint?
The first patient implant was performed in February 2026 by Dr. Ronald Benitez. The therapy is now being offered at Atlantic Health Overlook in conjunction with the Institute for Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases (IRAD).

Is Atlantic Health Overlook the only place in Union County where I can get this treatment?
Atlantic Health Overlook is the first hospital in New Jersey to offer the SetPoint System, making it a primary resource for Union County residents seeking this advanced RA treatment.

Who performs the SetPoint System implant?
Dr. Ronald Benitez, MD, Medical Director of Endovascular Neurosurgery at Atlantic Health, performs the procedure.

What doctors can I consult about the SetPoint System?
Rheumatologists at Atlantic Health Overlook, including those at the Institute for Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases (IRAD), can evaluate whether the SetPoint System is appropriate for your condition.

How long does the treatment take?
The device delivers one-minute daily stimulation to the vagus nerve. Patients do not require ongoing procedures after the initial implant.