MedTech companies honored at the Houston Business Journal’s third-annual Innovation Awards for life-changing neurostimulation device
HOUSTON, TX – October 13, 2021 – Spark Biomedical (Spark) – a Texas-based medical device company and developer of the first drug-free, personalized, wearable solution for opioid withdrawal relief – and Velentium – a professional engineering firm that specializes in the design and manufacturing of therapeutic and diagnostic active medical devices – were recently awarded ‘Most Innovative’ at the Houston Business Journal’s 2021 Innovation Awards. The companies were jointly honored for designing and manufacturing life-saving, patient-ready neurostimulation devices that help adults, children and newborns safely recover from opioid addiction.
The Sparrow Therapy System, developed by Spark Biomedical, is the first FDA-cleared, drug-free, wearable neurostimulation solution for opioid withdrawal relief. The non-invasive device is worn on and around the ear and explicitly designed to aid in the relief of opioid withdrawal symptoms by delivering gentle electrical stimulation to cranial nerve branches that in turn drive endorphin release and reduce symptoms. In addition to The Sparrow Therapy System, which is indicated for adults, Spark has ambitiously developed a similar system, specifically designed to aid infants born into Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS). This system is currently in clinical trials and was recently awarded Breakthrough Device Designation by the FDA.
“It is an absolute honor to be named Houston’s Most Innovative alongside Velentium,” said Daniel Powell, CEO of Spark Biomedical. “When the Spark team realized the pressing need to address the opioid epidemic, we came together with likeminded partners to identify a clear clinical pathway to bring this wearable neurostimulation device from concept to fruition.”
Beyond the technology, this innovation is unique because of the incredible, collaborative effort of two Houston-based MedTech companies. In partnership with Velentium, Spark leveraged decades of neurostimulation expertise, exploration, testing, and development to bring the power of neurostimulation out of the operating room and into a wearable format for patients overcoming opioid withdrawal.
“It is inspiring to witness how many innovative companies call Houston home,” said Dan Purvis, CEO of Velentium. “As technology evolves, so does our expansive partner ecosystem – a unique network driving the success and future prosperity of the medical device industry. It has been a privilege to advance wearable technologies and auricular neural work alongside Spark. We’d like to congratulate all honorees recognized at the third-annual Houston Business Journal Innovation Awards for elevating Houston’s world-changing contributions to innovation-focused industries.”
The Houston Business Journal’s annual awards program recognized twenty pioneering companies across all industries. The distinction aims to showcase innovation implemented in the past 16 to 18 months. The event also celebrates the Houston Business Journal’s Fast 100 awards, recognizing Houston-area private companies with the fastest revenue growth over a two-year period. Following a tremendous period of growth, Velentium was named one of the 2021 Fast 100 finalists.
To learn more about the Sparrow Therapy System and the partnership ecosystem enabling transformative projects in the medical device industry, click here.
About Velentium
Headquartered in Houston, Texas with operations globally, Velentium is a professional engineering firm that specializes in the design and manufacturing of therapeutic and diagnostic active medical devices for Fortune 100 companies and startups. The company offers world-class expertise in software, usability, cybersecurity, electrical and mechanical development for medical equipment. Velentium transforms IP into safe and secure products that will support healthcare professionals, patients and communities, and ultimately, change lives for a better world. For more information, visit www.velentium.com.
About Spark Biomedical
Spark Biomedical, Inc. is a Texas-based medical device company and developer of the first drug-free, personalized, wearable solution for opioid withdrawal relief backed by evidence from a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial targeting patients with opioid use disorder.
The Sparrow Therapy System uses Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN) to treat withdrawal symptoms by stimulating nerves on and around the ear. The wearable earpiece is designed to be worn up to 24 hours a day throughout opioid reduction or as prescribed to aid in the reduction of withdrawal symptoms.
The company’s vision to ignite a brighter future for those struggling with opioid use disorder and dependence is fueled by its unique blend of scientific expertise, technical innovation, and deep medical device industry experience. For more information, schedule a consultation at www.sparkbiomedical.com.
