Partnership allows migraine wearable to be recycled

Theranica Bioelectronics, a bio-medical technology company developing advanced electroceuticals for migraine and other pain disorders, has forged a partnership with California Electronic Asset Recovery, (CEAR) to recycle its smartphone-controlled prescribed wearable for acute treatment of migraine, Nerivio.

The company’s partnership with CEAR, an electronics sustainability and ITAD company, will enable consumers to contribute to the circular economy by sending used Nerivio devices for recycling.

Alon Ironi, CEO and co-founder of Theranica, said: “We believe it is essential that medical products are safe for both people and the environment and we are pleased to partner with CEAR as we launch Nerivio in the U.S. market. In every element of Nerivio production we chose materials that are environmentally friendly as we believe in the importance of sustainable devices that do not harm the environment. Our commitment to developing drug-free pain management solutions that meet patients’ needs goes hand in hand with our contribution to a greener environment.”

Nerivio is the first smartphone-controlled migraine wearable to receive De Novo authorisation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The non-invasive prescribed wearable is made up of components that contribute to its extremely high recyclability including a lithium metal battery, circuit board and plastics. Each Nerivio device can be used for 12 migraine treatments, after which it should be replaced. Nerivio’s connected smartphone application keeps track of therapies and alerts users as they approach the final uses of the device. Upon completion of all 12 treatments, users will be able to mail the used Nerivio unit to the CEAR facility where the battery will be removed, and then CEAR’s automated technologies will be used to separate the remaining components for reuse. 

Paul Gao, CEO at CEAR, said: “With our commitment to providing environmentally sound solutions for used electric and electronic equipment, we are proud to partner with Theranica in our common goal of creating a sustainable marketplace for medical devices. Both prescribers of Nerivio as well as its users can actively participate in keeping the health of our planet a priority by promoting a circular economy.”

Nerivio is placed on the upper arm for a 45-minute treatment at the onset of a migraine episode. The drug-free, non-invasive and digitally connected prescribed wearable received FDA authorisation in May 2019 and is already available in more than 100 participating headache clinics across the U.S. since the launch of the company’s pilot program in October 2019.