In recent years the field of focused ultrasound has begun to shift from a mostly research-oriented enterprise toward clinical adoption and commercialization. We\u2019ve also seen the creation of new and exciting fields of research that are capitalizing on the versatility of focused ultrasound to produce many different biological mechanisms of action, including tissue destruction, anti-cancer immune response, neuromodulation, localized and targeted drug delivery, transient opening of the blood-brain barrier, and many others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But despite this progress and focused ultrasound\u2019s immense potential to transform treatments and improve patient outcomes, it is not widely accessible. Significant barriers include lack of awareness by patients, providers, funding agencies, and policymakers. Regulatory and reimbursement hurdles also hinder the advancement of research, successful commercialization, and patient access. Through engagement with key stakeholders in our community \u2013 researchers, clinicians, patients, and industry \u2013 we identify and address the most critical challenges that are currently limiting successful commercialization and widespread patient access to focused ultrasound therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Foundation collaborates with leading advocacy organizations and consultants, who have the expertise and relationships to help us address these challenges. We join our partners, G2G Consulting<\/a> and the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed)<\/a>, in advancing advocacy initiatives to address:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regulatory & Reimbursement Obstacles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Insufficient Federal Funding<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lack of Key Stakeholder Awareness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With our partners, the Foundation has succeeded in raising the profile of focused ultrasound among key stakeholders and advocating for additional government funding for focused ultrasound research, as well as critical legislative and regulatory changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Foundation and AdvaMed Imaging (formerly MITA) have partnered to host four fly-in events on Capitol Hill, and one virtual fly-in. In February 2019, March 2020, June 2023, and July 2024, passionate groups of focused ultrasound patients and physicians joined representatives from the Foundation, AdvaMed\/MITA, and industry in Washington, DC, to educate policymakers. Additionally, the Foundation and G2G Consulting hosted virtual briefings in February 2022<\/a> and April 2024<\/a> aimed toward education of Congressional leaders and their staff. The briefing topics centered on established benefits of focused ultrasound, its potential in additional areas of healthcare, and the value of increasing research investment to advance this field of medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our work has included numerous Capitol Hill meetings, federal appropriations requests, comments on draft federal policies, blog posts, op-eds, and active public relations and social media campaigns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information or to join in our efforts, contact Jessica Foley, PhD, Senior Advisor at jfoley@fusfoundation.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Join Our Advocacy Team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Webinars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Virtual Congressional Briefing: Focused Ultrasound
April 3, 2024<\/h5>\n\n\n\n