Khalil Ramadi

Khalil is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering and Director of the Laboratory for Advanced Neuroengineering and Translational Medicine at New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi. He is also a Global Network Professor of Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. His work focuses on developing new tools and technologies for treating a variety of neurologic, endocrine, and immune disorders. He developed ingestible electronic pills that can regulate neural and hormonal signaling by delivering micro-bursts of electrical energy to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The GIT houses the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is critical for digestion, nutrient absorption, and metabolism. It also mediates gut-brain signals that control hunger and reward circuits in the brain, as well as neuro-immune interactions. This extensive interconnection can be leveraged to control nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Electrical stimuli can be delivered with significantly greater temporal and spatial resolution than chemical stimuli (pharmacotherapy), improving our ability to precisely control cells. However, existing electrical stimulation therapies entail surgical implantation of a stimulator, precluding its utility to most patients. This is where our technology stands out.