Pharmacist-Led Startup Develops CDSCO-Registered Wearable for Chronic Pain Management

Surya Maguluri, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Hyderabad-based med-tech startup Litemed, stated that the idea for the device emerged after seeing his mother face difficulty walking during a pilgrimage and increasingly relying on elevators because of persistent knee pain. Her condition encouraged him to search for alternative pain management solutions.

Maguluri, who holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, co-founded Litemed with Sriram Velliyur. Their startup developed Curapod, a wearable device designed to provide pain relief through light-based therapy. According to the company, more than 30,000 units have been sold within 12 to 15 months of launch, while the device has been used in over 200,000 pain-management sessions.

The founders stated that interactions with people suffering from chronic pain highlighted the need for non-invasive pain-relief options. They observed that individuals who stand for long periods frequently develop knee problems, while desk-job workers often suffer from back pain due to prolonged sitting.

Curapod is a compact wearable device measuring around 4.8 cm in diameter, nearly the size of a five-rupee coin. The developers said the initial prototype was much larger, but feedback regarding comfort and light leakage led to multiple design improvements before the final product launch.

The device uses Photobiomodulation (PBM), a therapy that utilizes red LED and near-infrared light to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. According to the company, the technology is intended to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair. Curapod is designed for conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, chronic low back pain, tendonitis, sports injuries, nerve pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Maguluri stated that a 30-minute therapy session can provide up to 60 percent pain relief in certain chronic pain conditions. The device automatically switches off after each session to prevent overuse, while a full battery charge supports two sessions totaling 60 minutes of use.

The company clarified that Curapod is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment or physiotherapy. Instead, it is designed to work alongside standard therapies and potentially reduce dependence on pain-relief medications.

Development of the device began in 2022 and required nearly two years of research, testing, and validation before its commercial launch in 2024. During this process, Curapod underwent clinical testing and received seven safety certifications. The device is also registered with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) as a certified medical device.

Users can operate the device manually or through a companion mobile application that records therapy sessions and enables tracking of pain scores over time. The company noted that the data recording process is currently manual.

Curapod is priced at Rs 8,399 in India and mainly targets individuals aged 45 years and above experiencing chronic pain conditions. According to the company, nearly 60 percent of users are women above the age of 60. The device has also become popular among working professionals and corporate employees experiencing pain caused by prolonged sitting or standing. The startup additionally observed considerable usage among men aged between 30 and 45 years.

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The company stated that most purchases are made by younger family members buying the device for parents or grandparents. After each purchase, company representatives conduct virtual demonstrations and follow-up interactions to guide users and gather feedback.

Regarding safety, the company said it has not observed any major adverse skin reactions among users. Curapod complies with multiple safety standards, including IEC 62471 for photobiological safety and IEC 60601-1 standards for medical electrical equipment safety and biocompatibility. Any minor skin redness reported by users generally subsides within 30 minutes.

Curapod is designed and manufactured at Litemed’s Hyderabad facility. Maguluri stated that the company internally developed the prototype, production systems, PCB assembly, and validation mechanisms. He added that India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem has supported smooth production scaling.

The startup currently operates mainly through a direct-to-consumer model via its website, while the device is also available through Apollo Pharmacy and selected online channels. Litemed is further expanding through collaborations with physiotherapy networks and elder-care communities.

According to a recent media report in The Indian Express, the company is now planning international expansion. A pilot launch in the United States is expected, while broader expansion into the US and European markets is being targeted for the next financial year, subject to regulatory approvals and certifications.

Maguluri stated that the growing adoption of healthcare wearables and advancements in medical technology are opening new opportunities for non-invasive therapies. He added that the company is already working on future versions of the device. The startup has also received support from Hyderabad’s startup ecosystem, including mentorship and exposure from T-Hub, and currently employs more than 60 people while focusing on scaling operations.

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