Unmet Medical Need:  Alzheimer’s disease affects over 6 million people in the United States alone, with devastating economic and healthcare consequences. Abnormal aggregation of beta-amyloid and tau protein is a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease, and clearance of protein aggregates remains a major focus for Alzheimer’s therapies.

Envisioned Healthcare Product: The team of Drs. Konofagou and Honig developed UltraNav (ultrasound + navigation) which transiently opens the blood brain barrier in a focused region and stimulates an immune response to clear beta-amyloid plaque and tau. Clinical safety and preliminary efficacy have been demonstrated in pre-clinical and early-stage clinical studies. Funding from BiomedX and TRx will enable investigation of tau pathology in patients receiving treatment with UltraNav.

Stage of Development:  Pre-Clinical Testing

Collaborative Research Team:  Elisa Konofagou, PhD and Lawrence S. Honig, MD, PhD

Funding Cycle: 2022 - 2023