GE HealthCare and Novo Nordisk are partnering up to advance the clinical and product development of peripheral focused ultrasound (PFUS) to treat chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity.
As part of the collaboration, GE HealthCare and Novo Nordisk will use their respective expertise in ultrasound medical technology and metabolic disease treatment and management to develop a PFUS solution to improve patient care. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
PFUS has the potential to specifically regulate metabolic function in the body using ultrasound, ultimately supporting the treatment of chronic diseases. According to GE HealthCare, pre-clinical proof of concept and initial early-stage clinical research suggest that it may impact glucose metabolism in people with diabetes through personalized ultrasound stimulation of nerve pathways.
The PFUS was developed by a team of scientists at GE HealthCare’s HealthCare Technology and Innovation Center.
“In an era where diabetes is increasing around the globe, we are enthusiastic about the potential for ultrasound to help people live healthier lives,” GE HealthCare President and CEO of Ultrasound Roland Rott said in a news release. “This collaboration with Novo Nordisk opens a path to evolve ultrasound from a means of screening and diagnosis into therapy, as well. We are eager to validate and further develop this potentially groundbreaking science, as we strive to offer patients alternative treatment options for chronic diseases.”
There is an estimated 540 million adults globally that have diabetes with 90% of cases being type 2 diabetes.
“We look forward to exploring the potential impact this technology could have on treating people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, as significant unmet needs remain in these diseases in spite of recent advances in care,” said Martin Holst Lange, EVP and head of development at Novo Nordisk. “Although early, the possibilities of using ultrasound for therapeutic purposes are compelling and we welcome our collaboration with GE HealthCare in this truly novel area.”
