MIT News breed · Science

MIT Class Project Becomes FDA-Cleared Tremor Treatment

A wristband device, initially a class project at MIT, has received FDA clearance as a treatment for essential tremor. The journey from concept to medical device took nine years.

The device uses vibrations to send signals to the brain, reducing tremors. A 2017 demonstration showed a patient with Parkinson's drawing a spiral with greater precision.

Inspired by the reaction, the student team formed Encora Therapeutics in 2020. They underwent hardware iterations and clinical trials.

In one trial, 78 percent of patients reported benefits after 90 days. This February, the FDA cleared Encora's device for adults with essential tremor.

The founders initially focused on Parkinson's, inspired by studies on neural control of movement.

The initial prototype motivated them to pursue commercialization.

Encora later focused on essential tremor, identifying it as a greater unmet need.

Trials showed over 70 percent of patients experienced improvement, leading to FDA clearance.

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