Siemens Healthineers and Insightec Partner to Enhance MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Essential Tremor

By Sina Medicine

Imaging Giant Siemens Healthineers Partners with Israel’s Insightec to Improve Compatibility Between Older MRI Systems and Current Non-Invasive Treatments for Essential Tremor, Bringing New Therapeutic Options to More Patients

Just a month ago, Insightec’s Exablate Neuro System received FDA approval. Rather than relying on incisions or implants, the Exablate Neuro System leverages MR-guided focused ultrasound to precisely target and ablate deep brain tissue. In a statement, Insightec announced that the collaboration would involve Siemens’ open MRI Aera and Skyra magnetic resonance imaging systems, further advancing the company’s efforts to “expand and complement” its diagnostic imaging products for advanced therapeutic applications.

The statement indicated that Siemens plans to provide patients with personalized diagnosis and treatment services, as well as continuous temperature monitoring throughout the ExAblate Neuro procedure. For Insightec, the collaboration aims to increase the company’s market share in the treatment of essential tremor. Dr. Maurice Ferré, CEO of Insightec, stated in the release: “Our technology has gained acceptance and recognition from Siemens, and we will be able to significantly expand access to this novel therapeutic approach for more patients and providers.”

In May this year, Siemens renamed its healthcare division to Siemens Healthineers, a move that sparked speculation about its intention to spin off and independently manage the business. As part of the rebranding, Siemens also announced the launch of new product lines, including managed services, consulting services, and digital services, while enhancing its capabilities in therapy and molecular diagnostics.

Following the rebranding, Siemens Healthineers also entered into a collaboration with Case Western Reserve University on MR Fingerprinting. This partnership aims to develop unique, highly distinctive diagnostic MRI technologies tailored for forensic applications. Siemens is challenging the conventional view that magnetic resonance imaging analysis is purely qualitative by striving to quantify such analyses, thereby enhancing reproducibility and accuracy across different scanners and institutions. Shortly thereafter, Siemens advanced its expansion into the molecular diagnostics sector by acquiring NEO New Oncology, an emerging German company specializing in molecular diagnostics.