Focused Ultrasound Foundation 2018 Year In Review Report

Published:

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW



 
Dear Friends,

The field of focused ultrasound is growing more rapidly and having more of an impact than any of us ever could have imagined.

The success we’ve had to date is a result of the entire focused ultrasound community’s efforts. Thank you all for working toward a common goal of making this technology widely available as a standard of care in the shortest time possible.

Please read and share the Foundation's 2018 Year in Review Report.

Be well,

Neal F. Kassell, MD

READ THE REPORT >
 Creating Knowledge: Research Milestones
In 2018, focused ultrasound for Alzheimer's disease reached important milestones. Results of a landmark trial in Toronto using focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in Alzheimer’s patients were published in Nature Communications. In October, researchers at West Virginia University began a similar clinical trial, but notably the first-ever US trial utilizing focused ultrasound for Alzheimer’s disease. 

Focused ultrasound earned FDA approval to treat Parkinson's disease patients for whom tremor is their primary symptom.

We are continuing to explore the role of focused ultrasound for immune-based cancer treatments through several partnerships with prominent organizations in the field. 

Additionally, there are clinical trials are underway for neuropathic pain, epilepsy, pancreatic cancer, and many other diseases. 

READ MORE > 
 
 Increasing Awareness & Sharing Knowledge
We partnered with the Consumer Technology Association's "Let's Go Humans" campaign to release an impactful video featuring Julia, an essential tremor patient. 

The Foundation's media coverage reached new heights in 2018, with more than 500 news stories featuring the technology.  

READ MORE > 
 
 Convening the Community & Fostering Collaboration

Our 6th International Symposium attracted a record number of attendees and scientific presentations on the latest research in the field of focused ultrasound.    

The Foundation also released the 2018 State of the Field Report and announced a partnership with the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance to raise awareness of focused ultrasound among policymakers, insurance payors, and specialty societies. 

READ MORE > 
 
 Cultivating the Next Generation
Scholars Francesco Prada,
MD, & Frédéric Padilla, PhD 
We welcomed seven summer interns to the Foundation's team and supported 20 global interns who worked with focused ultrasound mentors around the world.   

The Foundation's 2017 Merkin Scholars both stayed on through 2018 and contributed broadly to our scientific team.

READ MORE > 
 
 Finances
The Foundation met a generous $10 million matching gift in November. 

We continue to hold the highest rankings on Charity Navigator and Guidestar – online tools that assess nonprofits' financial and organizational transparency – and we were recognized as one of Charity Navigator’s 10 Best Medical Research Organizations in America.  
 
READ MORE > 
 

Thank you to our donors


Your generosity enables us to fund groundbreaking research, convene the best minds to overcome barriers, and spread the word about the immense potential of focused ultrasound. We thank you for your support and the important role you play in advancing this technology that could one day impact millions.  

See a list of those who supported us in 2018 >