Alzheimer’s Workshop to Develop Research Roadmap

Published:

The Foundation hosted a workshop in Bethesda September 17-18 to discuss the state of the field, current challenges, and future research directions for using focused ultrasound to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

thumb group shot smThe meeting was an ideal forum for advanced collaboration in which an invited group of experts reviewed past studies, presented current data, and shared new ideas. Participants included focused ultrasound technical experts, leading Alzheimer’s neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroscientists, neuroradiologists, and representatives from FDA, medical research foundations, and industry.

Participants addressed recent breakthroughs, existing body of work, and the challenges that must be addressed to advance this burgeoning field toward clinical trials. Outputs from the workshop included:

  • A clinical trial roadmap for FUS-enhanced blood-brain barrier opening with and without drugs for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
  • Identification of preclinical studies needed to support the clinical roadmap
  • The longer-term preclinical studies that are necessary to address the knowledge gaps in the field, such as exploration of mechanisms and treatment optimization
  • Potential funding opportunities for collaborative research projects supported by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and partners
  • A summary/white paper that will be released in the near future