Florida Atlantic Partners with Insightec to Treat Neurological Disorders

Today during his mission trip to Israel, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced an agreement between Florida Atlantic University and Insightec, a global health care company headquartered in Haifa, Israel. Together, FAU and Insightec will advance scientific knowledge about the use of focused ultrasound to treat brain diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

As part of the agreement, FAU will leverage its clinical and academic expertise in the areas of preclinical research and basic sciences related to neurological conditions, as well as its capacity and capabilities to conduct clinical research in these areas. Insightec will provide expertise and resources related to research and development, as well as its preclinical and clinical experience with the focused ultrasound platform.

Julie Pilitsis, M.D., Ph.D., dean and vice president for medical affairs in the Schmidt College of Medicine, will lead the university’s clinical research efforts. She has had National Institutes of Health funding on focused ultrasound for the past 10 years and is considered a leading expert in the arena. She is a board-certified practicing neurosurgeon who is a national expert in movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, and in chronic pain.

Florida has the second highest incidence of Alzheimer’s in the country and is one of the top four states in the U.S. with the highest incidences of Parkinson’s disease. Florida Atlantic’s research expertise combined with Insightec’s ultrasound technology could be a gamechanger in how we treat patients with these devastating diseases and improve health outcomes for our community.