Cala Health Secures $50 Mn Funding to Scale Wearable Tremor Therapy

The kIQ neurostimulator, cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), delivers personalized, non-invasive stimulation to patients with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremors.

Cala Health, a Silicon Valley-based medtech company, raised $50 million in its latest funding round to accelerate the commercial growth of its wearable device designed to alleviate hand tremors. 

The kIQ neurostimulator, cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), delivers personalized, non-invasive stimulation to patients with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor.

The kIQ system, worn like a smartwatch, monitors a patient’s unique tremor patterns and delivers electrical stimulation through the skin to counteract involuntary movements. Essential tremor, a neurological condition affecting over 7 million Americans, is a primary focus for Cala’s device. While medications exist, side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and depression often limit their use.

Cala’s neurostimulator received Medicare coverage earlier this year for patients with essential tremors who have tried or considered at least two pharmaceutical treatments. The coverage positions the device as an alternative to invasive procedures like deep brain stimulation.

The kIQ system's efficacy was also supported by a CVS Health study, which demonstrated improved outcomes when used alongside standard drug therapies after just one month of use.

About the Funding

The $50 million financing was led by Vertex Group Fund and Nexus NeuroTech Ventures, alongside returning investors such as Action Potential, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, and Lux Capital. The funds will help Cala expand its reach among patients and physicians.

Deanna Harshbarger, Cala Health’s CEO, emphasized the importance of the funding in advancing the company’s mission. 

“This round allows us to broaden patient and physician awareness of this effective and innovative treatment. We are very excited about the strong support from both our legacy and new investors who believe in our vision and first-in-class, on-demand technology to address tremor relief,” Harshbarger said in a statement.

Further, She took over as CEO in mid-2024 after serving as the company’s chief product officer. Her prior experience includes leadership roles at Medtronic Diabetes, Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, and Johnson & Johnson.