The device is used for acute and preventive migraine treatment, and it is wrapped around the upper arm.

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, a global pharmaceutical firm, has launched Nerivio in South Africa, a wearable device for migraine control that does not require medication.

Nerivio is a CE-marked, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -licensed device that uses Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) to treat and/or prevent migraines.

FDA approval allows the device to be sold in the United States and exported after getting an export certificate, whereas CE certification allows the device to be sold in the 33 member states of the European Union.

In a statement, Dr Reddy's said the device is used for acute and preventive migraine treatment, and it is wrapped around the upper arm with a non-painful REN to stimulate peripheral nerves on the back of the arm, which control the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

According to the company, this triggers a pain-inhibiting response from the brain.

The Nerivio app, available for download from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, has features such as an interactive migraine diary for logging symptoms, tracking reactions, and sharing insights.

The device is supported by Dr. Reddy's Patient Support Programme, known as Mi-Free, which the business says provides a comprehensive support system that includes device delivery, on-boarding education, and regular check-ins.

The device was recently introduced at the Neurological Association of South Africa (NASA) convention.

The launch in South Africa is Dr. Reddy's latest Nerivio launch, following successful launches in India in 2023 and Germany and Spain in 2024.

Sharing a plenary session on Nerivio, at NASA, Dr. Stewart Tepper, vice president of the New England Institute of Neurology and Headache, said: “Nerivio has a proven track record of successfully treating patients with migraine across the markets it has launched.”

He added: “This is a novel breakthrough non-pharmacological non-invasive neuromodulation device, providing optimal acute and preventive therapy for migraine in those 12 years of age and older without the risk of significant side effects. In so doing, Nerivio eliminates the risk of medication side effects and the potential for drug-drug interactions.”

Dr. Rashem Mothilal, country head, Dr. Reddy’s South Africa, said: “Nerivio has proven efficacy in not only effectively treating relief of pain but also associated symptoms in migraine such as nausea and vomiting. It has been shown to reduce the need for drugs used for acute treatment in nearly nine out of 10 patients. The device is contraindicated for individuals with implantable medical devices and those with uncontrolled epilepsy. ”