First non-pharmacological treatment for chronic pain
Around 30% worldwide. That's how many people suffer from chronic pain globally. But what exactly is chronic pain? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is pain that persists for more than three to six months. For years, medical research has sought to harness the power of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers, as an alternative to medication. So far, traditional pharmaceutical approaches have been in vain —endorphins cannot be recreated or taken as a pill.
This is where Remedee Labs made a breakthrough. Founded in 2016, the startup developed an innovative endorphin stimulator. Remarkably compacted into a wristband, it offers a sustainable and medication-free solution. This wearable, medical-grade device helps patients manage chronic pain.
Challenge
- Create an endorphin stimulator and ensure it is compact enough to fit into a wristband
- Allow the patient to safely trigger endorphin stimulation in the comfort of their home
- Quickly bring this innovation to the market while meeting stringent medical standards
Solution
- Leverage ST’s 61 GHz wireless millimeter wave technology to activate the production of endorphins
- Work closely with CEA, a research and technology organization, to adapt ST’s technology to the wristband's specific requirements, and meet strict medical certification requirements
Impact
- A noninvasive, medication-free wristband for pain relief
- Over 75% of participants with fibromyalgia reported a significant improvement in their overall health status
- A 21% reduction in pain and 24% improvement in sleep quality for people with osteoarthritis after three months of use
The goal —An endorphin stimulator in a wristband
Endorphins have long been recognized as a natural way to manage pain. Released by the brain in response to pain or stress, these "feel-good" hormones can be stimulated by applying millimeter waves to the skin. While the concept dates back to the 1970s, integrating it into a wristband for all-day wear wasn't feasible until now. Collaborating closely with ST experts, the startup developed a custom medical-grade chip that safely emits a 61 GHz signal to stimulate endorphin production. By precisely targeting subcutaneous ‘natural’ sensors located just 0.5 mm beneath the skin's surface, the chip effectively triggers the release of endorphins through millimeter waves. This noninvasive method provides a safe, pharmaceutical-free alternative to pain relief.
“
With ST’s expertise, we've created the first non-pharmacological treatment
for fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, stimulating the body's natural painkillers.”
Michael FOERSTER, CTO, Remedee Labs
The enabler —A robust innovation ecosystem
Despite ST's wireless millimeter technology not being medically qualified, Remedee Labs quickly adopted it. As a spinoff of CEA, a leading European research and technology center —and ST research partner— Remedee Labs tapped into their R&D expertise to adapt this ST technology for medical applications. The CEA conducted extensive research to tailor the technology to the wristband's specific requirements. Remedee Labs leveraged their know-how to meet strict medical standards, while ST provided the packaging solution to accelerate their time-to-market. The result was better than Remedee Labs or anyone possibly expected. The wristband received the European CE marking as a medical device in less than 8 years after the company's founding.
“
As a startup, time is our most precious resource. Working together as a team
with ST and CEA experts enabled us to
mitigate technological risks, and
accelerate time-to-market.”
Michael FOERSTER, CTO, Remedee Labs
The impact —Pain relief without medications
The endorphin stimulator wristband is a subscription-based medical device. The wristband is designed for being used three times a day, with patients typically experiencing the first benefits after a few weeks. For most patients, the results are beyond their expectations. As a prime example, take fibromyalgia. This condition causes chronic pain across the body, mainly in muscles and joints. Over 62% of patients with fibromyalgia using Remedee Labs’ wristband reported a significant improvement in quality of life (FIQ score).
A significant part of the wristband success lies in Remedee Labs' patient-centered approach. Available for rent throughout the prescription period or until symptoms dissipate, this wristband represents a shift in pain management strategies, offering patients greater control and reducing dependency on medications.
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