Insightec's MRgFUS Receives NUB Status 1 For Essential Tremor Treatment In Germany

Insightec, a leading innovator in the field of focused ultrasound technology, has recently marked a significant achievement in Germany by securing NUB status 1 for its treatment of essential tremor. This pivotal status enables approved hospitals in Germany to negotiate additional payments within the national reimbursement system, thereby enhancing patient access to advanced treatments for essential tremor. Essential tremor, a common movement disorder, affects an estimated 510,000 to 750,000 individuals across Germany. While medications offer relief for some, others find themselves resistant to drug treatments, leaving surgery as their sole alternative.

The transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) procedure represents a non-invasive surgical approach that utilizes ultrasound technology to precisely target and eliminate the brain tissue responsible for the abnormal movements associated with essential tremor. This procedure is meticulously guided by real-time MRI monitoring. The attainment of NUB status 1 by Insightec is a landmark development for German patients who previously faced restricted access to focused ultrasound treatments for essential tremor. This decision by the German healthcare system ensures the economic sustainability of these crucial treatments.

Insightec's Exablate Neuro platform employs MRI-guided sound waves to treat patients with medication-refractory essential tremor and those with tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, Insightec is actively engaged in research collaborations with academic and medical institutions to explore future applications of this technology. With its global headquarters situated in Haifa, Israel, and Miami, along with additional offices in Dallas, Shanghai, and Tokyo, Insightec is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes worldwide. The company's commitment to innovation is further underscored by its achievement in Germany.

This significant milestone aligns with the German Institute for Hospital Remuneration's acknowledgment of MRgFUS therapy as a viable treatment option for essential tremor in 2021. Insightec's NUB status 1 approval underscores the company's role as a frontrunner in providing cutting-edge solutions and relief for individuals suffering from movement disorders in Germany. Insightec's focus on harnessing the therapeutic potential of acoustic energy, coupled with its ongoing dedication to research and development, solidifies its position as a global leader in focused ultrasound technology.