The
Israel-based startup Theranica is combining neuromodulation therapy with modern
wireless technology to develop wearable solutions that address various medical
conditions and disease states. Their first product is a migraine-relief patch
called Nerivio, offering an affordable, non-invasive and non-pharmacological
medical therapy. The technology is based on what is called Diffuse Noxious
Inhibitory Controls, a phenomenon where the response to a pain stimulus is
inhibited by a second pain stimulus. The wearable patch is simply attached to
the arm, and the generated electrical pulses stimulate sensory nerves under the skin,
resulting in pain relief. The patch is launched and controlled using a
complementary app on a smartphone or tablet, providing a personalized
pain-relief program that can be used by anyone, at any time, everywhere.
The
most common remedy for migraine headaches is medication, however there can be
significant side effects. As a result, many medications are not recommended for
certain patient groups, such as children and pregnant women. Theranica has
developed a safe and easy to use solution that could dramatically change how
patients manage their migraines. A pilot study of the startup’s technology has
shown promising results in terms of clinical efficacy and safety, and may ease
migraine pain as well as pharmacological options. The technology provide
personalized, portable and affordable care, allowing patients to take back control
of their daily routines. It could increasing access to care and improve quality
of life for millions of people worldwide who suffer from migraines.
Theranica
was founded in 2016 by Alon Ironi, Ronen Jashek, Slava Barabash and Shimon
Eckhouse with the vision of developing electroceuticals to address prevalent
medical conditions and diseases. In July 2017, they announced the closing of a
round A of financing, raising $6 million. The round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with other investors including LionBird Venture Capital and
Corundum Open Innovation. The funds will be used to move past the regulatory
stage and mass produce the Nerivio patch, and they are now about to commence a
multi-center clinical trial in Israel and the US.