MIT student class project becomes FDA-cleared wristband device that uses vibration to reduce essential tremors in adults; Encora Therapeutics spent nine years developing technology, with 78% of patients reporting benefits in clinical trials.

MIT class project turns into an FDA-cleared treatment for tremors

In 2017, a man named Michael walked onto stage in front of a packed Kresge Auditorium at MIT and attempted to draw a spiral, a common test doctors use to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. His tremors, caused by the disease, made the exercise difficult. Then, Michael put on a wristband device made by a team of MIT students as part of 2.009 (Product Engineering Processes), who were presenting their prototype that evening.Michael pressed a button and the device produced a subtle vibration. The vibratio...