#United States #San Diego #Cala Health #TAPS Therapy #Essential Tremor

Groundbreaking TAPS Therapy Presentation by Cala Health at AAN 2025

At the recent American Academy of Neurology (AAN) conference in San Diego, Cala Health, a pioneer in bioelectronic medicine, unveiled key findings from several studies illustrating the efficacy of Transcutaneous Afferent Patterned Stimulation (TAPS) Therapy specifically for patients suffering from Essential Tremor (ET). The company recently gained recognition for being one of Fast Company's top 10 Most Innovative Medical Device Companies of 2025 and successfully completed an oversubscribed funding round aimed at expediting growth and innovation.

Impact on Symptoms of Essential Tremor

The results, derived from a multi-center study known as PROSPECT involving 263 patients, indicated that consistent use of Cala's TAPS Therapy significantly mitigates tremors. Participants in the study reported improvements in eight key daily activities, with over 80% showing positive changes in functional capabilities after one and three months of home use. This suggests that TAPS not only alleviates the immediate symptoms of tremors but also enhances patients' independence in daily life, making it a vital therapeutic alternative for those seeking better management of their condition.

Mechanism of Action Understood

An in-depth mechanism of action study demonstrated how TAPS influences neural activity within the ventral intermediate (VIM) nucleus of the thalamus, a critical area for tremor control and commonly targeted during Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedures. With data collected from eight patients, the findings revealed that the modulation of VIM activity correlated with tremor improvements, implying a direct impact on the brain's tremor-related networks. Notably, significant reductions in tremors were recorded in both treated and untreated limbs, showcasing the therapy's broader efficacy.

Long-term Benefits and Cost Reductions

A 12-month prospective analysis further reinforced the value of TAPS therapy. During this study, 153 patients using TAPS were compared with an external control group of 306 matched patients from national health datasets. Findings illustrated that not only did TAPS therapy sustain improvements in tremor severity and daily functioning, but it also contributed to decreased healthcare costs related to ET management. This is particularly crucial for healthcare providers and patients aiming to enhance quality of life while reducing expenses associated with managing chronic conditions.

Expert Insights from Cala Health

Dr. Kate Rosenbluth, the Founder, President, and Chief Innovation Officer of Cala Health, expressed excitement over the results, stating, "Cala TAPS therapy not only provides acute relief for tremor patients but also improves underlying tremor severity with consistent use." With a robust clinical data foundation spanning over 2,000 patients, including randomized controlled trials, these outcomes signify a major advance in therapeutic options for ET patients.

Deanna Harshbarger, CEO of Cala Health, noted the honor of being recognized for innovation, stating, "Cala is committed to customer-centric innovation that transforms the standard of care for patients and clinicians thanks to our FDA-cleared wearable neuromodulation system." This aligns with Cala's mission to improve patient outcomes and life quality while continuously advocating for broader healthcare coverage.

Availability and Future Directions

The Cala system is available to eligible Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiaries at no cost and has Medicare coverage for applicable patients under local coverage criteria. Cala Health is actively pursuing additional coverage to ensure patients receive the benefits of TAPS therapy.

Founded in 2014 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Cala Health is transforming chronic disease management with innovative bioelectronic therapies. Their current product pipeline promises exciting developments in fields like neurology, cardiology, and psychiatry, potentially reshaping the landscape of treatment options for these conditions.

In summary, the advancements presented by Cala at the AAN 2025 conference not only highlight the effectiveness of TAPS therapy in treating Essential Tremor but also delineate a future where technology and medicine converge to provide enhanced patient care and symptom management.