Wanted to add more ... as noted, Focused Ultrasound Foundation has reported positive results from trials using magnetic resonance guided ultrasound to target the thalamus to alleviate Essential Tremor. MJFF has been watching this technology with interest and has worked with the company to optimize how best to pursue for PD -- we sought a shift of focus from the thalamus to globus pallidus interna (GPi; i.e. the target for standard DBS).

MJFF will be co-funding a trial with the Kinetics Foundation for safety and tolerability. The trial will have 15 participants, 5 per site in Charlottesville, VA; Toronto, Canada; and Seoul, South Korea. The ultrasound surgery is a “clean” surgery (no anesthetic, cuts or drilling involved). Great possibilities... However, it is important to note that, like any other surgery, this is something permanent so understanding safety, tolerability and efficacy are obviously critical. Additionally, this therapeutic strategy is hypothesized as a symptomatic treatment. We will be blogging about this in the coming weeks and I will be sure to share more information as it becomes available.

Debi