The direction of our current research was very much shaped by the feedback we received from individuals with tic disorders and their families.
When we asked them for their thoughts on our research priorities we were frequently told that what was really needed was a safe and effective non-drug treatment for tic disorder that could be used outside of the clinic and gave individuals control over their tics. This led directly to us focusing on the use of peripheral nerve stimulation as a means of bringing about changes in the brain networks associated with the production of tics.
We demonstrated that delivering rhythmic patterns of mild electrical stimulation to the median nerve at the wrist could be used to increase the power and the synchronicity of the brain oscillations (rhythms) associated with the suppression of movements, and that this type of stimulation was sufficient to dramatically reduce the frequency of tics and remove the urge-to-tic in individuals with tic disorders.
Importantly, we also showed that this type of stimulation did not materially affect the execution of volitional (intentional) movements or impair cognitive functions such as attention.
We are working on the development of a phone app that will monitor Tourette syndrome clinical symptoms over time as well as some external factors that may influence these symptoms.
We are developing this App with the aim to helping people with Tourette syndrome:
In a UK-wide double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial, we have established the positive impact of home administration of median nerve stimulation in reducing both the frequency and severity of tics in individuals with Tourette syndrome.
We are now dedicating our efforts to the development of a commercially available wearable wrist device that administers median nerve stimulation at the press of a button with the aim to empower individuals with Tourette syndrome to manage their symptoms effectively and have control over their tics.
We are aiming to launch the device called ‘Neupulse’ in 2026 following regulatory approval ensuring its compliance to all relevant safety, quality and regulatory requirements. Initial launch will be in the UK with expansion to other countries / regions following regulatory approval.
The device and associated accessories will be available to purchase via our website in each country / region once we have received regulatory approval there.
The device delivers a pattern of electrical pulses to the underside of the wrist which can be activated on demand. The stimulation interacts with the nerves and parts of the brain which cause tics. Neupulse provides relief and a way to manage the symptoms and discomfort associated with tics.
Our research has been conducted on individuals from the age of 12 years old and over and the data shows the stimulation is effective however it may not be suitable for everyone and is contraindicated for some medical conditions and use with implanted medical devices.
The UK-wide double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial of the Neupulse device for suppressing tics in Tourette syndrome run by Neupulse, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Nottingham showed that people who received active stimulation experienced a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of their tics. On average they saw a reduction in tic frequency of more than 25% while they received stimulation.
After using the device for 4 weeks, people who received active stimulation experienced a reduction in their tic severity of more than 35%. In total 59% of the people who received active stimulation experienced a reduction in tic severity of at least 25% compared to baseline.
Residents in the United Kingdom can sign up to our Research Mailing List to express their interest in participating in our research.
Please note that there is no guarantee of being recruited to participate in our research.
We currently only have ethics approval to conduct research on participants who reside in the UK. This may change in the future as we expand so please keep an eye on our website for updates.
If you have any other questions, please contact us at enquiries@neupulse.co.uk (including which country you reside in) and a member of the team will be happy to help you.
Company number: 13198315
Registered Office:
The Ingenuity Centre
University Of Nottingham Innovation Park
Triumph Road
Nottingham
England
NG7 2TU
Neupulse and Neutrack are registered trade marks of Neurotherapeutics Ltd