The FDA has granted 510(k) marketing clearance for Spark Biomedical’s Sparrow Therapy system, a wearable neurostimulator for treating opioid withdrawal.

The system, which is designed to be worn up to 24 hours a day during detoxification, stimulates nerves on and around the ear to help reduce withdrawal symptoms.

The Sparrow system is “the first clinically proven, drug-free, needle-free, wearable neurostimulation solution for opioid withdrawal relief,” offering an alternative to treatments that use drugs or acupuncture, Spark said.