Neuromodulation Firms Join Consumer Neurotech Vendors at International CES Show

by James Cavuoto, editor

January 2015 issue

Several established manufacturers of neuromodulation and neurosensing systems were on hand at the 2015 International CES show in Las Vegas, NV earlier this month. Neurotech firms active in the healthcare space such as NeuroMetrix, Compumedics, Evoke Neuroscience, and Hocoma Inc. used the show to launch consumer versions of their products or to forge alliances with new firms active in the digital health marketplace. They were joined by several other consumer neurotech firms such as NeuroSky, InterAxon, and myBrain Technologies.

NeuroMetrix received considerable attention at the show for its new Quell pain stimulation device, which the company will for about $250. The calf-worn device uses surface stimulation to provide relief from chronic pain, such as due to diabetes, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and degenerative knee conditions. The wearable device is lightweight and can be worn during the day while active, and at night while sleeping. It has been cleared by the FDA for treatment of chronic pain without a prescription. Users of the device also have the option of using their smartphone to automatically track and personalize their pain therapy.

NeuroMetrix launched a website, QuellRelief.com, to allow customers to get information and place an order. The company expects to begin taking pre-orders for Quell in March and to ship during the second quarter. Quell will initially be available exclusively through doctor’s office and online.

In an interview with NBR, NeuroMetrix CEO Shai Gozani said the product is functionally similar to the company’s Sensus device, which is sold through traditional medical channels. Gozani hopes to reinvent the distribution model for low-cost medical devices. Although the FDA has cleared the product for over-the-counter sales, NeuroMetrix intends to involve physicians in the sales channel, since their recommendation is critical for sales to their patients with chronic pain. Compared to the traditional durable medical equipment channel for reimbursable devices, sales of the low-cost Quell device will be simpler and smoother since in most cases the patient will pay out of pocket.

Another low-cost TENS system vendor, Compass Health Brands, displayed its OTC devices, which are sold under the brand name AccuRelief. The wearable devices are available in single-channel, dual channel, and Mini TENS versions. The systems are sold online through retailers like Amazon and Walmart and cost under $100.

Compumedics, the Australian manufacturer of neurosensing and sleep diagnostics systems, displayed a new sleep fitness consumer product called Somfit. The head-worn adhesive device incorporates an EEG sensor as well muscle tone sensors, an accelerometer, oximeter, and microphone to detect sleep phase, position, snoring, and other attributes. The device can be worn during the day to track daily activities and at night to collect medical-grade sleep data.

Hocoma Inc., the Swiss manufacturer of robotic neurorehabilitation products, displayed its new Valedo system for home use. Hocoma says that Valedo is the first personal medical device for the low back that combines physical sensors with sophisticated, yet intuitive software. The system transforms biomechanical exercises developed by physical therapy professionals into, interactive games on a user’s iPad or iPhone.

Valedo’s sensors detect and respond to micro movements, ensuring that each exercise is tailored to the user and done correctly. Collectively, Valedo’s games guide users through a complete series of movements that take place in virtual “worlds” and are designed, over time, to improve movement awareness for increased stability and balance, restore motion to vertebral joints, and redevelop deep muscles for enhanced strength, all of which can help back pain sufferers achieve sustained back health. The FDA-registered medical device is available online in the U.S. for $359.

“For the millions of Americans who suffer from back pain, the lack of effective, long-term treatment options can become discouraging. With Valedo, users are motivated not only to get moving and stay on track with exercises that deliver functional movement therapy for back pain, but also to improve their own performance in the virtual game,” said Frank Menzler, executive vice president of Hocoma in the U.S. “The result is a groundbreaking advancement with the potential to extend the benefits of professional physical therapy into the home and effectively change the way we deal with back pain starting today.”

Another neurotech healthcare company, Evoke Neuroscience, displayed products at the show. The Wave EEG headset, developed in conjunction with LinearDimensions Semiconductor, incorporates eight EEG sensors in a wireless audio headset. The company bills it as a “complete brain monitoring and training system,” and intends to market it medical product channels. Evoke CEO David Hagedorn told NBR that the device also includes tDCS electrodes, which can be activated once the company obtains FDA clearance for tDCS.

Though not on the show floor, Thync, the startup firm developing a neurosignaling headset for the consumer market, privately demonstrated its device in a suite at the Wynn Hotel. This editor had an opportunity to test one of the firm’s “vibes” in a 20-minute session with an iPod-controlled headset. Though the effect was subtle and very unscientific, there was the distinct impression that objects in the foreground—specifically aircraft arriving and departing at McCarren Airport—stood out more vividly from background imagery. It seemed easier to track aircraft orientation and trajectory, a vital skill in pilot training.

A French firm called myBrain Technologies displayed its Melo Mind connected headset, The device couples and EEG sensor with a mobile application and musical interaction to achieve relaxation and stress reduction.

A Japanese firm called JINS Eyewear displayed a pair of glasses that incorporates accelerometers and EOG sensors. The MEME device is targeted at simulation and research markets.