Charco Neurotech is a UK-based medical device company specializing in non-invasive wearable technology specifically designed for people with Parkinson's disease[1]. Founded by a team of designers, engineers, and clinicians, Charco focuses on developing accessible, user-friendly devices that address motor symptoms of Parkinson's without requiring medication or invasive procedures.
The CUE1+ is Charco Neurotech's flagship product—a small, wearable device designed to help manage Parkinson's symptoms through non-invasive neurostimulation.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | About the size and weight of a small pebble |
| Wearability | Can be worn discreetly under clothing or as an accessory |
| Comfort | Non-invasive, designed for daily use |
| Battery | Rechargeable, all-day battery life |
| Water Resistance | Splash-resistant for everyday use |
The device uses two primary mechanisms[2]:
The combination of these mechanisms targets multiple motor symptoms simultaneously, providing a non-pharmacological approach to Parkinson's symptom management.
The CUE1+ aims to alleviate:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Standalone Operation | Works independently without smartphone |
| Mobile App | Optional CUE app for iOS/Android with customization |
| Customizable Settings | Adjustable stimulation intensity and patterns |
| Medication Reminders | Discreet vibration alerts for medication timing |
| Symptom Tracking | App-based logging of symptom patterns |
Charco Neurotech has collected clinical data on the CUE1+ device:
The company continues to collect real-world evidence and conduct additional clinical validation studies to further establish efficacy.
The device was developed through collaboration between:
Charco's approach emphasizes:
Vibrotactile stimulation for Parkinson's disease is based on the principle that sensory input can influence motor output. Research has shown that:
While the exact mechanism is still being researched, proposed mechanisms include:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-invasive | No surgery or implanted hardware required |
| Easy to use | Simple one-button operation |
| Discreet design | Worn under clothing, unnoticeable |
| Medication companion | Works alongside existing PD medications |
| No side effects | Non-pharmacological approach |
| Feature | Charco CUE1+ | Deep Brain Stimulation | Levodopa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Surgical implant | Oral medication |
| Side effects | Minimal | Hardware complications | Long-term complications |
| Cost | Lower | High | Ongoing |
| Immediate effect | Yes | Yes (after tuning) | Yes |
Users report integrating the CUE1+ into their daily routines:
Common user experiences include:
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| UK | CE marked as medical device |
| EU | CE marked |
| US | FDA registration (class I medical device) |
| Other | Expanding to additional markets |
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Type | Medical device company |
| Mission | Improving quality of life for people with Parkinson's |
Woods V, et al. Vibrotactile Stimulation Effects on Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease. Journal of Neurology. 2020. ↩︎