Dutch Advisory Body Backs Israeli Ultrasound Therapy For Tremors

An Israeli focused ultrasound system for noninvasive treatments is being recommended for national coverage for treating essential tremors by the Dutch Healthcare Institute (ZIN), an advisory body for the country’s health service.  

ZIN concluded that Insightec’s ultrasound was an effective treatment that could provide nationwide access to a remedy for essential tremors. 

Essential tremor is a condition that affects the nervous system, causing involuntary shaking. Sufferers of the condition who are recommended for this treatment have moderate to severe tremors, and are not suitable for deep brain stimulation, a neurosurgical procedure to cure movement disorders. 

The ultrasound system, known as MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), is a non-invasive technology that is meant to deliver targeted brain therapy by using sound waves while the patient is connected to an MRI machine to locate the relevant areas of the brain for treatment. 

The studies done by Insightec show a significant reduction in upper limb tremor and tremor-related disability. 

The company is based in Haifa and Miami, with offices in Dallas, Shanghai, and Tokyo. 

“This is an important day not only for us at Insightec, but also for over 17 million Dutch residents who could not have access to focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor so far,” said Insightec CEO and chairman of the board Maurice Ferré.

“We are delighted to welcome the Netherlands in the growing club of countries that secure patient access to MRgFUS.”