INSIGHTEC, the leader in MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) therapy, announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) has approved its Exablate Neuro system for the non-invasive treatment of essential tremor in patients who have not responded to medication.

Exablate Neuro uses focused ultrasound waves to precisely target and ablate tissue deep within the brain with no incisions. The treatment is performed under Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guidance for real-time treatment monitoring. The approval was granted based on data from a randomized, double-blind clinical study conducted in eight medical centers in North America and Asia. The study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of non-invasive thalamotomy with Exablate Neuro.

"Results of this study show that Exablate Neuro is safe and effective for treating essential tremor. Finding the most effective way to manage tremor symptoms and improve the quality of life is crucial for patients," said Professor Takaomi Taira MD, Tokyo Women's Medical University. "Patients treated showed immediate tremor control, allowing them to regain ability to perform daily tasks such as eating and writing," he concluded.

"INSIGHTEC is committed to the Japanese neurosurgery market," said Yair Bauer, country manager, INSIGHTEC Japan. "Following the MHLW approval, INSIGHTEC Japan can develop its market presence and offer essential tremor patients a non-invasive solution to improve their quality of life," he added.

Earlier this year, Exablate Neuro was also approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada for the treatment of essential tremor. Exablate Neuro also has approvals in Europe and Israel. Exablate Neuro is registered in Japan under the name Exablate 4000.

Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder, affecting more than 3 million people in Japan, and millions more worldwide. Hand tremor is the most common symptom, but tremors can also affect the head, arms, voice, legs, and torso. The cause of this disease is still unknown but it has a strong hereditary attribute. Patients often have trouble performing everyday tasks such as eating, dressing, writing, holding objects and even speaking.