Insightec's New Spin-Out Lotus Neuro: Pioneering Brain Therapy with Focused Ultrasound Innovation

Insightec Launches Lotus Neuro

Insightec, a leader in healthcare innovation, has officially spun out a new entity named Lotus Neuro, designed to push the boundaries of brain-targeted therapeutics using focused ultrasound technology. This decision marks a significant leap forward in the landscape of brain medicine, creating an integrated platform that combines cutting-edge device technology with innovative biotech strategies to enhance drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

The formation of Lotus Neuro comes at a critical juncture for Insightec, which has already established a strong foothold in the focused ultrasound domain. The company’s existing platform has demonstrated substantial safety validation and global adoption, garnering heightened interest from various pharmaceutical partners. The primary aim of Lotus Neuro will be to merge ultrasound technology with sophisticated medicinal treatments, including biologics and genetic therapies, to create transformative outcomes in the treatment of brain disorders.

According to Maurice R. Ferré, MD, Chairman and CEO of Insightec, this development is a pivotal moment in the mission to reshape brain health. “Lotus Neuro aims to leverage the precision of focused ultrasound towards discovering new therapeutic avenues in neuro-oncology and neurodegenerative diseases,” he stated. “Together, we are committed to building a comprehensive ecosystem that facilitates the journey from device innovation to groundbreaking drug delivery approaches.”

Lotus Neuro will initiate its operations by concentrating on clinical neuro-oncology treatments. Primary areas of focus will include combating glioblastoma and diffuse midline gliomas, while also advancing preclinical explorations into neurodegenerative conditions. The spin-out has secured funding from Nexus NeuroTech Ventures, a prominent investor keen on supporting technologies that enhance the diagnosis and treatment pathways for brain disorders.

The leadership at Lotus Neuro will be helmed by Arjun (JJ) Desai, MD, a former Chief Strategic Innovation Officer at Insightec. Desai brings a wealth of knowledge, having worked on enhancing global access, medical affairs, and research infrastructures that integrate therapeutic delivery with focused ultrasound methods. With a distinguished medical training background from Stanford University, he is well-poised to guide this new venture towards successful initiatives aimed at addressing complex brain diseases. “Our goal is clear: to turn effective, targeted therapies into reality for patients,” Desai remarked. “By harnessing the precision of focused ultrasound alongside remarkable therapeutics, we can forge new paths in treating challenging brain ailments.”

Insightec will continue to play a vital role in supporting Lotus Neuro, particularly in terms of innovations related to therapeutic integration and scientific collaboration. This collaborative approach reinforces their shared commitment to making incisionless therapies that target the brain accessible to patients worldwide, signaling a radical shift in their treatment paradigms.

The drive toward developing this new model builds upon Insightec's recent milestones, which include achievements in treating conditions such as essential tremor and Parkinson's disease through novel ultrasound applications. The company recently published important findings in The Lancet Oncology, demonstrating that temporary openings in the BBB during chemotherapy can significantly enhance survival rates for glioblastoma patients, showcasing the profound capabilities of their technology.

With over 25,000 patients treated through the Exablate technology across 210 centers globally, Insightec is cementing its place as a frontrunner in the medical application of focused ultrasound.

Lotus Neuro is set not only to advance brain health but also to redefine the therapeutic landscape altogether. By bridging the gap between pioneering technology and therapeutic innovations, the company is poised to unlock new frontiers in neurological care, underscoring the potential for better outcomes for patients battling serious conditions.

For the latest updates and insights about Lotus Neuro and its mission, visit lotusneuro.com and keep an eye on further advancements from Insightec.

About Insightec

Insightec is dedicated to reshaping the future of patient treatment through the innovative use of ultrasound technology, with its headquarters located in Haifa, Israel, and Miami, Florida. The company's Exablate Neuro platform utilizes MRI-guided focused ultrasound to treat conditions such as essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease while exploring new therapeutic applications in partnership with top academic and medical institutions.

About Lotus Neuro

Lotus Neuro represents a clinical stage biotechnology firm focused on harnessing low-frequency focused ultrasound to enhance drug delivery for brain treatments. Partnering closely with Insightec, they aim to bridge the gap between technological advancements and therapeutic efficacy, heralding a new era in the approach towards brain health.