Participated · Seed · Feb 2024

Samphire Neuroscience is developing Nettle, a battery-operated headband that delivers non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the motor cortex and prefrontal cortex to reduce menstrual pain and mood symptoms. The device is designed to be worn for five days before a period and pairs with an app that includes period tracking, treatment reminders and research participation. Samphire reports a clinical trial of around 50 participants used in its CE application that showed an average 52% decrease in pain with active use and some lingering benefit the month after treatment. Nettle is not intended as a treatment for diagnosed endometriosis and common side effects reported are mild (itching/tingling or transient migraines). The company is pursuing a Class 2A CE mark, plans an initial production run of 1,000 devices, will sell direct-to-consumer and via retailer and hospital partners, and hopes for insurer reimbursement. Samphire intends to expand its product line into other female-focused therapeutics (insomnia and perimenopause) and estimates a U.S. launch in 1.5–2 years, seeking FDA breakthrough designation for U.S. trials.