Noninvasive focused ultrasound for neuromodulation and targeted brain stimulation

This technology is a platform for noninvasive brain stimulation using focused ultrasound waves for brain mapping and therapeutic applications.

Unmet Need: Noninvasive neuromodulation for clinical applications

Current neuromodulation approaches for the treatment of neurological disorders often rely on invasive procedures or lack spatial precision needed to specifically target deep brain structures. While focused ultrasound has emerged as a noninvasive approach for targeting these deep brain structures, many existing systems lack integrated platforms capable of delivering precise stimulation while simultaneously tracking physiological and behavioral responses. In addition, limited control over stimulation parameters and monitoring outputs can make it difficult to optimize treatment delivery, assess patient response, and personalize neuromodulation strategies.

The Technology: Noninvasive focused ultrasound for brain stimulation

This technology is a focused ultrasound transducer platform designed to noninvasively deliver acoustic energy to targeted brain structures and the peripheral nerve circuits. Using focused ultrasound waves for brain stimulation, the system integrates software capable of encoding and monitoring multiple parameters, including vital signs and eye movements, during neuromodulation without surgical implantation. The platform enables modulation of neural activity and can be integrated with imaging and electrophysiological systems for feedback-guided targeting and stimulation. This technology has potential applications in neuroscience and treatment of disorders such as chronic pain and Parkinson’s disease.

This technology has been validated in mouse models.

Applications:

• Functional brain mapping
• Treatment for chronic pain
• Parkinson’s Disease treatment
• Treatment for depression
• Pre-treatment planning for high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment

Advantages:

• Noninvasive
• Millimeter scale resolution targeted brain structures
• In-depth brain penetration
• Multimodal monitoring

Lead Inventor:

Elisa Konofagou, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Issued(US15/040926)

Patent Issued(US16/265,827)

Related Publications:

• Batts AJ, Tsitsos FN, Ingabire J, Duret G, Gorman SL, Tsakri D, Noel RL, Ji R, Kwon N, Pham QK, Zhang L, Bao G, Robinson JT, Konofagou EE. “A multifunctional theranostic ultrasound platform for remote magnetogenetics and expanded blood-brain barrier opening” Brain Stimul. 2025 Nov-Dec;18(6):1939-1951.

• Pouliopoulos AN, Murillo MF, Noel RL, Batts AJ, Ji R, Kwon N, Yu H, Tong CK, Gelinas JN, Araghy DK, Hussaini SA, Konofagou EE. “Non-invasive optogenetics with ultrasound-mediated gene delivery and red-light excitation” Brain Stimul. 2022 Jul-Aug;15(4):927-941.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU15132, CU17014

• Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu