SonoCloud (brain implant)

2023: Product Announcement

On June 27, 2023, French company Carthera announced the SonoCloud therapeutic ultrasound device, a specialized implant designed to treat cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Device can be used, in particular, during therapy of recurrent glioblastoma - aggressive brain tumour. The fact is that there is no effective way to combat this disease. An obstacle to therapy is the blood-brain barrier, which protects the nerve tissue of the brain from circulating microorganisms, toxins and other substances. This barrier also prevents the penetration of drugs, which complicates treatment and reduces the effectiveness of the medical substances administered. The SonoCloud device is designed to solve the problem.

SonoCloud

After implantation into the patient's skull, SonoCloud is activated before the therapeutic drug is injected. A few minutes of low-intensity ultrasound opens the blood-brain barrier for six hours, allowing the drug to be delivered to the target. Thus, the concentration of the drug in the desired area of ​ ​ the brain increases. In addition, the neurological status of the patient may be improved. The technology can open up new possibilities in the treatment of a number of serious ailments.

At the same time, Carthera announced a Series B funding round, during which $40 million was raised for development. The funds came from Panakès Partners, Relyens Innovation Santé (Turenne Santé) and Supernova Invest, the European Innovation Council Fund (EICF) and a major investor who wished to remain anonymous. The money is planned to be used to speed up product development and conduct comprehensive testing.^[1]

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