FTC to Send Out Refunds to Some Users of NeuroMetrix’s Quell

Users of NeuroMetrix’s Quell wearable pain-relief device could be eligible for payments from the Federal Trade Commission by check or through PayPal. Earlier this week, the federal agency announced it was refunding almost $3.9 million to purchasers of the Waltham, MA-based company’s device that was designed to treat chronic pain throughout the body when placed below-the-knee.

In a release, FTC said NeuroMetrix, Inc. and its CEO, Shai Gozani, sold Quell to consumers, touting it as “clinically proven” and “FDA cleared” for widespread chronic pain relief. However, the agency said the defendants lack scientific evidence to support widespread chronic pain-relief claims, and their claims about clinical proof and the scope of FDA clearance for this use are “false.”

FTC will send 2,144 refund checks and 67,998 refunds via PayPal to consumers. The agency said the average check was around $55.10 per customer.  

NeuroMetrix and its CEO agreed to pay nearly $4 million to FTC for the refunds and the company agreed to stop making the allegedly deceptive claims in March, according to a filing on the federal agency’s website.