$16.7 Million Grant to Spur Focused Ultrasound Brain Research in Toronto

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Sunnybrook Weston Device PrototypeSunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has announced a new initiative to revolutionize the treatment of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and brain cancer.

The Weston Family Focused Ultrasound Initiative was made possible by a $16.7 million philanthropic grant from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, through its Weston Brain Institute.

Researchers intend to “accelerate development of a powerful new focused ultrasound device to enable the personalized treatment of brain disorders as never before.”

Focused ultrasound pioneer Kullervo Hynynen, PhD, is leading the prototype development of the device that will be portable and customized for each patient. The device will also be frameless, meaning clinicians will not need MRI-guidance during treatment. Hynynen also noted that the device will be able to treat multiple locations in the brain simultaneously, which will shorten procedure time.

The new device will be used in three innovative clinical trials, tackling Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer that has metastasized to the brain, and glioblastomas. The trials will be led by neurosurgeon Nir Lipsman, MD, PhD. Furthermore, if the device is commercialized, a portion of the income will be reinvested in Canadian focused ultrasound research.

Read Sunnybrook’s Release >

Media Coverage
Sunnybrook Hospital to Test Innovative Device for Brain Disorders | Toronto Star
Weston Grant Benefits Sunnybrook’s Groundbreaking Brain Disorder Research | O.Canada