In September 2025, Pier 88 Health and Theranica made significant strides in migraine treatment by announcing the approval of the Nerivio® REN wearable device from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This marks a critical milestone as it’s the first wearable migraine treatment utilizing Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) technology to receive regulatory approval in China.
### Overview of the Nerivio REN
The Nerivio REN wearable is designed as a non-drug solution for acute migraine treatment. It operates through a smartphone application, allowing users to control the device conveniently while delivering gentle electrical pulses to the arm. These pulses activate the body’s natural pain regulation mechanisms, offering a relief mechanism for migraines without the need for medication or invasive procedures. This dual-use product also provides preventive treatment, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of future episodes.
### The Need for Innovative Solutions in China
Migraine is a widespread public health concern in China, affecting an estimated 130 million people. Current care options are limited, particularly regarding access to specialists and the over-reliance on pharmaceutical treatments. As the prevalence of migraine continues to be a pressing issue, innovative approaches like the Nerivio REN wearable are not only timely but necessary.
The device aligns well with China’s evolving healthcare landscape, which emphasizes digital health solutions and patient-empowered care. The demand for non-invasive and drug-free therapies has been evident, particularly among younger, working-age populations who may seek alternatives to traditional medications.
### Establishing a Comprehensive Digital Ecosystem
Pier 88 Health has been proactive in establishing a digital ecosystem focused on migraine care in China. This ecosystem integrates technology, patient education, and access to healthcare providers. Notable components include TengAI Health—a symptom tracking and self-management tool via WeChat—and MedLinc, a mobile app designed for physicians to monitor patients.
These platforms utilize artificial intelligence to deliver personalized insights, treatment recommendations, and facilitate teleconsultations, empowering patients and enhancing the overall treatment experience. By connecting with thousands of healthcare professionals, Pier 88 Health is laying the groundwork for the Nerivio REN wearable’s adoption across China.
### Collaborative Efforts and Future Goals
The collaboration between Pier 88 Health and Theranica has been remarkable, underpinning a shared vision of transforming migraine care. Min Luo, CEO and cofounder of Pier 88 Health, emphasized that the approval of the Nerivio REN wearable sets a new standard for patient-centered care, offering earlier, drug-free interventions that could mitigate the long-term burdens of the condition.
Dr. Xiang Qian, a Clinical Professor of Pain Medicine at Stanford University and Chief Medical Advisor for Pier 88 Health, echoed this sentiment. His insights into neuromodulation innovation underscore the emerging potential of wearable technology in pain management, aligning with a global trend toward more accessible, non-invasive treatment options.
Ronen Jashek, COO and cofounder of Theranica, noted that China is joining a global movement alongside the U.S., Europe, and several other regions, thus emphasizing the international credibility and scalability of the Nerivio device.
### The Path Ahead
The current NMPA approval permits the acute treatment of migraines in adults, with plans to eventually expand the device’s indications to include additional patient populations and other uses. This opens vast opportunities not only for migraine sufferers in China but also for broader applications in pain management therapy.
### Conclusion
The approval of the Nerivio REN wearable signifies a pivotal moment in the journey toward modernizing migraine treatment in China. By leveraging technological advancements and fostering collaborations in digital health, Pier 88 Health and Theranica are setting a precedent that could reshape the landscape of migraine care. This movement is particularly essential given the substantial number of individuals affected by migraines in China, and it represents a broader commitment to enhancing patient care while reducing reliance on traditional pharmacological treatments.
As the Nerivio REN wearable begins to permeate the market, it embodies hope and relief for millions—confirming that innovative, non-invasive, and drug-free technologies can transform healthcare for chronic pain conditions like migraines.
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