UNC School of Medicine announced on Apr. 14 that it will lead a $3.4 million clinical trial, funded by the US Department of Defense, to test a wearable device designed to reduce acute stress reactions after traumatic events.
The study aims to address the widespread problem of acute stress symptoms following incidents such as car crashes or sexual assault, which can develop into longer-term conditions like post-traumatic stress and depression if left untreated.
The clinical trial will evaluate the Sparrow Link tAN System, a lightweight neurostimulation device worn on the ear that gently stimulates nerves associated with rest and recovery. The trial is set to enroll 120 patients who have experienced acute stress reactions from motor vehicle collisions, beginning in late 2026. Participants will use the device twice daily for two weeks. Spark Biomedical will provide the devices for this double-blind, sham-controlled study over a period of two and a half years.
“There is an urgent need for effective interventions to prevent the development of these ‘invisible wounds,” said Samuel McLean, MD, MPH, director of the UNC Institute for Trauma Recovery and principal investigator for the study. “Fortunately, advances in research methods and technology have created an opportunity to develop interventions to prevent symptoms associated with ASR. We look forward to initiating this important study of this lightweight, portable, easy-to-use non-invasive neurostimulation system, which could potentially be administered to patients in the early aftermath of severe trauma to reduce acute stress symptoms and prevent the transition to chronic symptoms.”
Navid Khodaparast, PhD, co-founder & Chief Science Officer at Spark Biomedical said: “Traumatic events that lead to acute stress reaction require quick intervention to help prevent maladaptive neurological changes that could manifest into PTSD. This collaboration with the UNC Institute for Trauma Recovery reflects our long-standing focus on translating neuroscience into practical, safe treatment solutions. We are committed to developing noninvasive neurostimulation approaches to those suffering from ASR and other stress-related neurological disorders.”
This initiative is part of broader efforts at UNC’s Institute for Trauma Recovery aimed at developing both medication-based and non-medication interventions against posttraumatic stress disorders.
