Focused Ultrasound Surgery Foundation disbursed $1 million in research awards; looks forward to fund more projects in 2010

The Focused Ultrasound Surgery Foundation has disbursed nearly $1 million in research awards for work on a breakthrough medical technology and is making more project funding available in 2010.

The Foundation's initial ten awards - each worth approximately $100,000 - have advanced research and development of patient treatments using Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound (FUS). A non-invasive technology, FUS harnesses very high-frequency sound waves to perform procedures that could eliminate the need for surgery and radiation therapy.

Distributed through the Foundation's Research Award Program, the funding has supported a wide range of activities. "The breadth and success of research has been impressive," says Hannah Edelen, Director of Research and Fellowship Administration. "Projects have ranged from preclinical assessments of immune response to focused ultrasound all the way to a pilot clinical trial using FUS to successfully treat patients with chronic pain."

Five of the Foundation's funded projects have been completed. To date, four - 80 percent - of them have yielded published results; four projects have received follow-on funding from other organizations. Such high rates of publication and follow-on funding are excellent indicators of the program's success, notes Edelen.

The Foundation has established an independent Research Advisory Committee to review all award applications. Emphasis is placed on funding projects with high potential for rapidly developing clinical indications for MR-Guided FUS. To help accelerate FUS research and development worldwide, the Foundation encourages its award recipients to participate in a collaborative network of researchers who share results and leverage complimentary infrastructure.

Edelen says that the Research Award Program also aims to increase awareness of MR-Guided FUS technology and techniques and to facilitate regulatory approval and reimbursement for patient procedures in which it is used. She adds, "We're continuing to accept award applications on a rolling basis and look forward to funding more successful projects this year."

Source: Focused Ultrasound Surgery Foundation