Overview
The Cala kIQ System, a non-invasive wearable neuromodulation device for treating hand tremors in patients with Essential Tremor (ET), has been named "Best New Neurology Technology Solution" in the 2026 MedTech Breakthrough Awards. The award program received over 5,000 nominations globally. Cala Health joins a winner list that includes Noom, Boston Scientific, Teladoc, Medtronic, and others.
What the Cala kIQ System does
The Cala kIQ delivers TAPS Therapy (Transcutaneous Afferent Patterned Stimulation) through a wrist-worn device. It is physician-prescribed and intended for at-home use. The device provides temporary relief of hand tremors in the treated hand following stimulation in adults with ET. It is also FDA-cleared for temporary relief of postural and kinetic hand tremor symptoms affecting some activities of daily living in adults with Parkinson's disease.
Essential Tremor affects over 7 million Americans, causing uncontrollable hand and arm shaking that disrupts daily activities. Existing treatment options are often insufficient or require invasive surgery. The Cala kIQ bridges this treatment gap with a non-invasive, closed-loop, high-frequency stimulation approach that modulates abnormal neural activity.
Tradeoffs
- The device is physician-prescribed and requires a prescription; it is not available over the counter.
- Relief is temporary and limited to the treated hand following stimulation sessions.
- The system is a digital durable medical equipment (DME) platform delivered direct-to-home, which may require insurance coverage or out-of-pocket payment.
- Clinical trial data shows significant promise, but individual results vary.
When to use it
The Cala kIQ is appropriate for adults with Essential Tremor who experience hand tremors that interfere with daily activities and who have not found sufficient relief from medication or prefer a non-invasive alternative to surgical options like deep brain stimulation. It is also cleared for Parkinson's disease patients with postural and kinetic hand tremor symptoms.
Bottom line
The 2026 MedTech Breakthrough Award recognizes Cala Health's wearable neuromodulation platform as a practical, non-invasive option for a large patient population with limited treatment alternatives. The device's FDA clearance for both ET and Parkinson's disease expands its potential reach, though prescription and insurance access remain key factors for adoption.