ImThera Medical Inc received European CE Mark approval of its aura6000 system for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The aura6000 system delivers mild electrical pulses to stimulate targeted muscles of the tongue during sleep, operating as a pacemaker for the tongue. The system uses ImThera Medical’s patented Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation (THN Sleep Therapy) method to focus neurostimulation on certain muscles of the tongue during sleep.

"This new therapy will prove to be an important tool for physicians to consider for the treatment of OSA," said Marcelo G. Lima, chairman, president, and CEO of ImThera Medical.

The limited launch of these systems in Europe represents ImThera Medical’s first commercial efforts.