The U.S. Food and Drug administration has given a key approval to Germantown medical device startup Somna Therapeutics LLC.

The Reza Band is worn around the neck to prevent acid reflux.

Somna has been cleared to sell its Reza Band device—which reduces laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms—over the counter. The Reza Band will no longer require a prescription, and consumers can buy it directly off the company’s website for $169.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, which Somna says afflicts millions, results in the regurgitation of stomach contents from the esophagus into the larynx, pharynx and lungs. It can cause chronic sore throat, cough, hoarse voice, sleep disruption and other symptoms. The Reza Band is a device worn around the neck to apply light pressure to the cricoid cartilage area to help prevent these symptoms.

Launched in 2012, Somna gradually developed prototypes for its product and finally received FDA approval to offer the Reza Band by prescription in 2015. Read the full story here.