Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute Partners With INSIGHTEC on Research Program to Develop Treatments for Brain Disorders With Innovative Focused Ultrasound Technology

ROANOKE, Virginia and HAIFA, Israel, January 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Researchers at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute (VTCRI) are working with INSIGHTEC as the first non-clinical research site for use of Exablate Neuro focused ultrasound and Siemens MR imaging to develop non-invasive treatments for brain disorders. The potential applications to be researched include treatments for cancer, including brain tumors, targeted disruption of the blood-brain barrier for delivery of therapeutics to the brain, and neuromodulation to treat psychiatric disorders.  

The research is being led by Stephen LaConte, Ph.D., Associate Professor with the VTCRI and also the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics in the College of Engineering.

"There is considerable basic research to be done in order to develop safe and efficacious protocols for these treatments and we are excited to be one of the research sites to carry this breakthrough technology forward," LaConte said.

"We share a common vision, a culture of discovery and openness, and a commitment to study and develop scientifically validated technological innovations to treat patients with otherwise untreatable brain disorders," said Michael Friedlander, Ph.D., VTCRI Executive Director and Virginia Tech's Vice President for Health Sciences and Technology. 

"Collaboration with academic centers of excellence, such as VTCRI, is a key component of INSIGHTEC's heritage of innovation. Collaboration fuels the scientific breakthroughs that ultimately improve patient lives," said Maurice R. Ferré, MD, INSIGHTEC's CEO and Chairman of the Board.

Exablate Neuro employs more than 1000 ultrasound beams focused on a single spot to ablate tissue without incisions and without damaging surrounding structures.

The VTCRI - INSIGHTEC research collaboration has been facilitated by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, whose mission is to accelerate the development of new applications for focused ultrasound.  

About VTCRI 
The Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute makes transformative scientific advances in understanding and addressing the fundamental processes of human health and disease; trains the next generation of leading biomedical scientists; facilitates discovery-based medical education; and continues to strengthen the Virginia Tech Carilion partnership as one of the nation's premier biomedical research collaborations, based in Roanoke, Virginia.

About INSIGHTEC 
INSIGHTEC is the world leader and innovator of MR-guided Focused Ultrasound. The company's non-invasive platforms, Exablate and Exablate Neuro, are proven technology based on sound clinical evidence for treating essential tremor, painful bone metastases and uterine fibroids. The company is dedicated to improving patient lives by collaborating with physicians, medical institutions, academic researchers and regulatory bodies around the world. The company has headquarters in Israel and Miami with offices in Dallas, Tokyo and Shanghai.

For more information, please visit: http://www.insightec.com

Media Contacts:

MICHELLE BARRY
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry for INSIGHTEC
[email protected]
+1-(857)-217-2886

SOURCE INSIGHTEC and VTCRI