Dear Friends,
As 2021 comes to a close, we reflect on another challenging year in the face of the pandemic. Although we all hoped by this time COVID-19’s grip on the way we live and work would have relented, we have been astounded by the resiliency of the focused ultrasound community. Research continues at a blistering pace, and new clinical trials are exploring focused ultrasound as an option for patients with deadly brain tumors, trigeminal neuralgia, neuropathic pain, liver tumors, and opioid addiction, among others. We have also seen regulatory wins this year for Parkinson’s disease, desmoid tumors, and prostate diseases. In the world of reimbursement, focused ultrasound for essential tremor is now covered by Aetna – the first national insurance payor in the US – and the national governmental insurance in the UK. There have also been positive coverage decisions for prostate disorders and histotripsy of liver tumors.
That progress would not be possible without the commitment and perseverance of the entire focused ultrasound community. We extend our sincere gratitude to you for your dedication every day to the endgame of improving patients’ lives with this technology as soon as possible.
As the field continues to push the envelope in translating innovative ideas into clinical research – with an astounding 160 or more indications currently in various stages of research and development – the Foundation’s role becomes increasingly important. This year, we marked our 15th anniversary, and we humbly recognize that our success has been made possible solely by the generosity of our donors and friends. Without their support, the Foundation would not exist.
We look forward to 2022, and although much uncertainty remains in the world, we are optimistic and eager to see how the field advances in the new year as we continue to improve lives with focused ultrasound. We wish all of you and your families a happy, healthy holiday season!
Best,
The Focused Ultrasound Foundation Team