#United States #San Mateo #Cala Health #TAPS Therapy #Neurostimulation

Cala Health Closes Oversubscribed $50 Million Financing to Propel Growth

Cala Health, recognized as a leader in the field of non-invasive bioelectronic medicine, announced that it has successfully completed an initial closing of an oversubscribed $50 million growth financing round. This significant investment was co-led by Vertex Growth Fund and Nexus NeuroTech Ventures, with participation from existing investors, including well-known names like Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Lux Capital, and Google Ventures.

This funding is set to accelerate Cala's commercialization efforts, particularly following the recent positive Medicare Coverage Determination for its flagship product, Cala TAPS™ (Transcutaneous Afferent Patterned Stimulation) Therapy. Deanna Harshbarger, the Chief Executive Officer of Cala, expressed her excitement, noting that this funding will enable them to increase awareness about the benefits of this innovative treatment for both patients and healthcare providers.

Addressing Essential Tremor Challenges

Essential tremor (ET), which affects over 7 million individuals in the United States, leads to uncontrollable movements that significantly hinder daily activities. Traditional pharmacological treatments for ET often carry various side effects, including fatigue, nausea, and depression, while surgical interventions like Deep Brain Stimulation can pose serious risks and potential irreversible side effects. This highlights the pressing need for effective and safer treatment alternatives.

The Cala kIQ System, which employs TAPS™ Therapy, stands out as the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive wearable device designed specifically to deliver effective therapy for action hand tremors associated with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. It operates by recognizing each patient's unique tremor patterns and providing personalized nerve stimulation, thus mitigating tremors effectively.

Clinical Validation and Support

Cala Health is committed to building a robust clinical foundation for its neurostimulation therapy. A noteworthy study presented at the recent Movement Disorders Congress by CVS Health highlighted the substantial benefits of TAPS therapy in reducing healthcare resource utilization and costs for patients suffering from essential tremor. These results further underscore the potential impact of Cala Health's technology in improving clinical outcomes, advancing patient care, and alleviating the burden of this condition on healthcare systems.

Drugs are currently the most utilized treatment option for ET, but they come with unwanted side effects that can detract from patient quality of life. On the other hand, the innovative TAPS therapy offered by Cala Health provides a non-invasive solution designed to avoid many of the adverse consequences associated with pharmacological treatments, thereby enhancing the quality of life for patients.

Future Directions for Cala Health

Recently, Cala Health has embarked on a mission to further enhance its offerings in the field of bioelectronic medicine. In addition to its foundational work in developing devices for essential tremor, the company is exploring new therapies across neurology, cardiology, and psychiatry. With the financial backing from this funding round, Cala is poised to expand its capabilities, improve patient access to its neurostimulation therapies, and continue its impact on chronic disease management.

Founded in 2014, and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Cala Health continues to lead the charge in developing innovative solutions aimed at transforming the standard of care for chronic diseases. With ongoing investments and a commitment to evidence-based care, Cala Health stands as a beacon of hope for individuals battling essential tremor and similar neurological conditions.

Conclusion

Cala Health's recent funding success exemplifies a growing recognition of the need for innovative, non-invasive treatment options within the health technology landscape. As the company pushes forward, it remains dedicated to its mission of empowering patients and reshaping their treatment experiences through groundbreaking technology and everyday accessibility.