Insightec Spins Out Lotus Neuro to Advance Drug Delivery Across the Blood-Brain Barrier

Insightec has announced the launch of Lotus Neuro, a new biotechnology spin-out aimed at accelerating brain-targeted therapeutics through the use of precision, low-frequency focused ultrasound. Building on Insightec’s globally adopted ultrasound platform, Lotus Neuro will spearhead efforts to pair this noninvasive technology with emerging medicines—including biologics, gene therapies and cell-based treatments—for more effective delivery across the notoriously impermeable blood-brain barrier.

“This marks a defining moment in our mission to transform brain health,” said Maurice R. Ferré, MD, Chairman and CEO of Insightec. “Insightec will continue expanding the precision ultrasound platform, while Lotus Neuro applies it to new therapeutic frontiers in oncology and neurodegeneration. Together, we are building a complete ecosystem, from device to drug delivery, to change what’s possible in neuroscience.”

Lotus Neuro launches as a clinical-stage company with initial focus on neuro-oncology programs, including glioblastoma and diffuse midline gliomas. Preclinical work and pharmaceutical partnerships in neurodegenerative diseases are also underway. The new venture is backed by Nexus NeuroTech Ventures, an investment firm focused on innovations in brain health.

Arjun (JJ) Desai, MD, will serve as CEO of Lotus Neuro. Previously Chief Strategic Innovation Officer at Insightec, Desai was instrumental in building global research infrastructure and market access for the company’s therapeutic delivery platform. His leadership at Lotus Neuro is expected to help bridge the gap between device innovation and therapeutic application.

“Lotus Neuro exists to make effective, brain-targeted therapies a reality,” Desai said. “By uniting the precision of focused ultrasound with the most promising therapeutics, we’re opening new pathways for the treatment of complex brain disease. Building on Insightec’s global leadership in focused ultrasound, Lotus Neuro is the bridge between technology innovation and therapeutic impact.”

Insightec will remain focused on scaling its ultrasound technology and supporting Lotus Neuro through scientific collaboration and platform integration. Both entities are aligned under a shared mission to expand access to noninvasive, brain-targeted treatment options.

The spin-out follows a series of advances for Insightec, including regulatory approvals for bilateral treatment of essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. Most recently, a multicenter glioblastoma trial published in The Lancet Oncologydemonstrated that temporarily opening the blood-brain barrier with focused ultrasound during chemotherapy significantly improved survival, reinforcing the clinical promise of the technology.

To date, more than 25,000 patients have been treated using Insightec’s Exablate system at over 200 centers worldwide. With the launch of Lotus Neuro, the company is now positioned to further integrate device and drug platforms, aiming to redefine the treatment landscape for neurologic disease.