Cala Health Raises $50M to Advance Tremor Therapy Innovation
Cala Health is making waves yet again, announcing the completion of an oversubscribed $50 million growth round.
Co-led by Vertex Growth Fund and Nexus NeuroTech Ventures, this funding sprint brought back every single one of Cala’s previous investors, including heavyweights like Johnson & Johnson Innovation, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Lux Capital.
If that doesn’t scream confidence, what does?
Cala's CEO, Deanna Harshbarger, wasted no time highlighting the significance of this capital infusion.
“This round of funding will propel Cala's commercialization trajectory, notably with the recent positive Medicare Coverage Determination for Cala TAPS™ Therapy. It allows us to broaden patient and physician awareness of this effective and innovative treatment," she explained.
Her excitement reflects the confidence of investors who continue to double down on Cala’s vision of wearable technology to deliver tremor relief.
The timing couldn’t be better.
Essential tremor (ET), a condition affecting over 7 million Americans, can turn the simplest daily activities into Herculean tasks. Current treatment options, ranging from medications with unpleasant side effects to invasive surgeries, leave a significant unmet need for non-invasive solutions.
That’s where Cala’s flagship device, the Cala kIQ System, comes in—a wearable device cleared by the FDA that delivers tailored stimulation to help manage hand tremors.
It sounds futuristic because it is.
The science behind Cala’s TAPS Therapy (short for Transcutaneous Afferent Patterned Stimulation) reads like a neuroscience textbook but operates with the simplicity of a smartwatch. By analyzing a user’s unique tremor signature and sending precisely calibrated signals to the wrist, the device works to counteract those pesky handshakes. It’s like having a personal anti-tremor coach strapped to your arm, minus the pep talks.
If the technology itself isn’t compelling enough, the data backing it certainly is. A CVS Health study presented at the Movement Disorders Congress showcased how TAPS therapy doesn’t just reduce tremor severity but also curbs healthcare costs and improves patient outcomes. These are not just academic bragging rights—they’re real-world benefits that could make life noticeably easier for millions.
For Cala, the $50 million isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s a gateway to greater visibility and access for patients. With Medicare recently greenlighting coverage for its therapy, the company is poised to expand its footprint in the healthcare landscape. It’s a pivotal moment, and Cala’s leadership team seems ready to seize it with both (steadier) hands.
The involvement of Vertex Growth and Nexus NeuroTech Ventures adds another layer of credibility. Vertex brings a global perspective, while Nexus is laser-focused on tackling brain-related disorders through cutting-edge tech.
Together, they bolster Cala’s mission to redefine tremor treatment, hinting at a future where patients might be able to leave invasive procedures and side-effect-heavy pills in the rearview mirror.
Cala Health, founded in 2014 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, has steadily gained recognition as a pioneer in bioelectronic medicine. With a growing portfolio that aims to tackle chronic diseases beyond tremors, the company has become a shining example of what happens when neuroscience meets cutting-edge technology.
As the dust settles on this funding announcement, one thing is clear: Cala Health isn’t just playing in the sandbox of bioelectronic innovation—it’s building castles. And with a $50 million growth round in the bank, those castles look ready to stand the test of time.
