Mi-Helper: a drug-free air-based device to relieve migraine pain
Official title: Development of Mi-Helper: A Thermodynamic Neuromodulation Device for Migraine Relief
Funded at Cooltech LLC · NIH-11418001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, drug-free device uses a gentle stream of dry air to calm migraine symptoms, aimed at people visiting emergency departments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cooltech LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $998,747 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NS143568-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with acute migraine seeking care in emergency or acute care settings.
✕Less likely to help
People whose migraines are not responsive to non-drug thermodynamic neuromodulation or who have contraindications to nasal devices.
What this research studies
If you experience migraines, this project tests a small device that blows clean air across the inside of the nose to calm a nerve linked to migraine pain. The approach is non-drug and designed to work quickly in acute settings like the emergency department. Researchers will test safety and how well people tolerate the device, with attention to how it affects pain and duration of attacks. If successful, this could offer a simple, affordable option to reduce migraine burden without medications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide a quick, drug-free way to relieve migraine symptoms and reduce reliance on opioids in acute care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests nasal region neuromodulation can affect migraine pathways, but this specific dry-air, SPG-targeted device is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cooltech LLC
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaefer, Steven Edward — Cooltech LLC
- Study coordinator: Schaefer, Steven Edward
Related research
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A university-led project is testing a new non-opioid drug that blocks two pain-related enzymes at the same time to help people with migraines.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.