The Pivot Story: From Opioid Pain Relief to Menstrual Period Revolution

Rose Odette
Oct 11
4 min read

Spark Biomedical began in the heart of Texas, building neurostimulation devices to ease opioid withdrawal — a mission rooted in healing the body without chemicals. But like all visionary innovators, they saw a deeper calling. As their scientists kept studying how the body’s nerves work, they discovered something amazing. The same gentle nerve signals that helped reduce pain could also help control blood flow and swelling. During their hemostasis and neuromodulation research, Spark’s scientists discovered something extraordinary: the same non-invasive nerve stimulation that reduced pain could also regulate blood flow and inflammation. That insight became the spark for a new direction — women’s health.

With the launch of OhmBody, Spark’s dedicated women’s wellness division, the company pivoted into menstrual and hormonal health, tackling heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) through neurostimulation instead of hormones or surgery. Backed by the Wellcome Leap “Missed Vital Sign” grant, Spark Biomedical transformed from a medical device pioneer into a FemTech trailblazer, using science to give women control over their cycles, their comfort, and their choices.

This pivot wasn’t accidental — it was a Lioness move.

Visionary, seeing the unseen.
Innovator, repurposing existing brilliance.
Warrior, breaking barriers in a field long ignored.
Connector, uniting Texas research talent and global funding partners.
Healer, restoring dignity through design.

From Dallas labs to women’s lives worldwide, Spark Biomedical is proving that true innovation doesn’t just treat — it empowers.

How the Pivot to Menstrual Health Happened - I love a Good BackStory - Model for Innovators

New Division Launch: OhmBody Spark Biomedical created a women’s wellness arm called OhmBody to house their menstrual health innovations. It’s explicitly their “women’s wellness division” focused on wearable neurostimulation solutions for period care. GlobeNewswire+2Spark Biomedical+2
From Neurostimulation + Hemostasis Research to Menstrual Applications Spark’s core technology involves transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) — stimulating nerves via the ear to influence systemic physiological processes like hemostasis (blood clotting) and autonomic regulation. That same tech, used originally for other medical problems, is being repurposed to address heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) by enhancing platelet function, reducing bleeding, and shortening period length. Spark Biomedical+2Pathway to Cures+2 In their announcements, Spark says the innovation in HMB “paves the way for FDA approval” of this non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical approach. Spark Biomedical+2Spark Biomedical+2
Feasibility / Early Studies Show Promise The decision to pivot wasn’t wild guesswork — Spark cites early feasibility studies in which users saw over 50% reductions in blood loss and ~20% shorter menstrual periods with daily tAN therapy. Spark Biomedical+2FinancialContent+2 Also, their “Women’s Health Story” blog mentions a “surprising clinical discovery” that led them to pursue solutions for heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and perimenopause. Spark Biomedical
Funding & Institutional Backing as Catalysts The pivot got a big boost when Spark won Wellcome Leap’s “The Missed Vital Sign” program award. That funding is earmarked specifically for advancing their menstrual health work (especially heavy menstrual bleeding) nationwide. Spark Biomedical+2Pathway to Cures+2 Also, they’ve partnered with Velentium Medical (their design + manufacturing partner) to help scale OhmBody, their femtech product line. FinancialContent

Strategic Positioning & Market Entry In July 2025, OhmBody launched their first wearable neurostimulation earpiece targeting period symptoms. It combines vagus + trigeminal nerve stimulation to modulate pain, inflammation, bleeding, mood, etc. GlobeNewswire+2womenofwearables.com+2 They market it as a drug-free, hormone-free, non-invasive option — a differentiator in the crowded femtech / menstrual health space. Femtech Innovations+1

Five Ideals - Menstrual Period Revolution

Visionary Leadership — True innovation begins when someone dares to see the unseen. Spark looked at menstrual health and asked, “Why hasn’t this been solved?”
Innovative Compassion — Technology without empathy is hollow. Spark’s wearable neurostimulation earpiece shows that healing can be both high-tech and deeply human.
Courageous Pivoting — Reinvention is the mark of modern leadership. When you find a bigger purpose for your genius, pivot boldly. Menstrual Period Revolution
Collective Collaboration — Texas’ medtech community, Wellcome Leap’s global funding, and Spark’s visionary founders formed the kind of alliance that changes history.
Healing as Leadership — The Healer Lioness restores balance—physically, emotionally, and systemically. Spark is healing through innovation that honors women’s bodies.

Five Action Items

Ask the Unasked Questions — What problem has your industry ignored?
Reimagine Your Tools — What you’ve already built could solve a bigger pain if you apply it differently.
Collaborate Fearlessly — Partner across industries, genders, and generations to expand your impact.
Stay Rooted in Purpose — Innovation without mission is just noise.
Lead with Empathy — Whether in business or biotech, humanity is the real competitive edge.

Conclusion

Spark Biomedical’s pivot isn’t just a business move—it’s a revolution in women’s health. They turned a pain narrative into a power narrative. That’s what happens when leaders dare to evolve. When we Lead Like Lionesses, we don’t just disrupt industries—we redefine what healing looks like.