Israeli Ultrasound Creator Collaborating On Neuroscience R&D In US

An Israeli healthcare company that treats neurological issues using ultrasound has entered into a strategic collaboration with a US company that provides essential services for R&D in the pharma and biotech industries. 

The five-year strategic collaboration will provide clients of the Massachusetts-based Charles River access to Insightec’s global service and technology platform for the application of focused ultrasound (FUS) for drug discovery and preclinical development of therapeutics in neuroscience.

The low-frequency ultrasound platform developed by Insightec non-invasively disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB). 

The BBB is an extra layer around the brain that protects it from harmful substances, germs and other sources of potential damage. But it can also act as a hindrance when treating brain cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as it can prevent some therapies from reaching the targeted area. 

The ultrasound procedure, however, has seen positive clinical results across several neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.  

“This partnership will not only expand the application of our low-frequency focused ultrasound technology, but also accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies for neurological conditions,” said Arjun Desai, the chief strategic innovation officer at Haifa-based Insightec. 

“By combining our expertise, we aim to revolutionize the way next generation therapeutics are delivered and actuated in the brain, ultimately improving the lives of millions globally,” he said.  

“Our collaboration with Insightec represents a significant step forward in advancing neuroscience research,” said Prof. Julie Frearson, senior VP and chief scientific officer at Charles River. 

“As we look toward the future of drug discovery, we recognize that technology will be a cornerstone of innovation. The integration of focused ultrasound technology into our preclinical services will enhance the precision and effectiveness of therapeutic delivery strategies, allowing us to refine our use of research models and support the discovery of novel medicines.”