Australians Living with Essential Tremor Now have Affordable Access to Advanced, Non-Invasive Treatment
16 March 2024: Insightec, a pioneer and global leader in focused ultrasound, welcomes the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) listing of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound treatment for Australians living with medication refractory essential tremor.1 The announcement made by the Federal Health Minister will improve access to a non-invasive treatment option for up to 800,000 Australian adults living with this common neurological condition.2
Until recently, treatment for essential tremor included medication, which can often be ineffective, and invasive brain surgery known as deep brain stimulation (DBS).3 While effective, many of those with essential tremor prefer an alternative to invasive brain surgery to reduce the symptoms of the condition.
The latest MBS listing is for advanced magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound, which is a non-invasive treatment option for essential tremor. It uses specialised ultrasound technology to deliver targeted brain therapy without an incision.
One of the most common movement disorders, essential tremor causes uncontrollable shaking of the hands, head and voice, which can interfere with everyday tasks such as writing, typing, dressing, eating and drinking.4
According to Dr Benjamin Jonker, a consultant neurosurgeon at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, the MBS listing is a positive step forward in providing greater access to less-invasive treatment options for Australians living with the chronic condition.
“The MBS listing of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound treatment means specialists can now offer a non-invasive treatment option that minimises the impact on a patient with evidence that it can be life-changing,” said Dr Jonker. “Direct opening of the skull was the only previous surgical option and not all patients are eligible or willing to undergo that.”
Christian Burden, Acting Director of The Hospital Research Foundation Group – Parkinson’s and Stroke, said essential tremor is more than just a physical impediment; it affects personal relationships, professional aspirations, and overall quality of life.
“The inclusion of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound treatment on the MBS underscores a commitment to addressing the significant impact of essential tremor and acknowledging the transformative potential of cutting-edge treatments. The inclusion of this procedure on the MBS marks a crucial step towards ensuring equitable access to innovative healthcare solutions.”
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Insightec, Maurice Ferré, said the MBS listing for magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound treatment is testament to collaborative work with government and industry to deliver better clinical outcomes.
“Insightec has been working closely with Getz Healthcare to help make its focused ultrasound technology available in Australia.
“Today’s announcement by the Health Minister is great news for those seeking non-invasive, front-line intervention for essential tremor,” commented Mr Ferré.
Focused ultrasound technology is available in Australia via distributor Getz Healthcare Australia and New Zealand. Currently, the technology is being used at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney and Precision Brain, Spine & Pain in Melbourne.
Kimberly Hill, Managing Director of Insightec’s Australian and New Zealand partner Getz Healthcare, said, "As Insightec's local partner, after years of collaboration with clinicians, government bodies, and patient advocacy groups, Getz Healthcare is thrilled with the favourable decision that will enhance accessibility to this groundbreaking technology, positively impacting lives."
About Focused Ultrasound
Focused ultrasound takes a minimally invasive approach that uses ultrasound to ablate the brain tissue that causes abnormal movements. Guided by MRI to target the specific area of the brain, neurologists benefit from real-time, detailed images of the brain for precise localisation and monitoring during the procedure.1
Focused ultrasound technology is available in Australia via distributor Getz Healthcare Australia and New Zealand. Currently, the technology is being used at St. Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, and FMIG in collaboration with Precision Brain, Spine & Pain in Melbourne.
About Insightec
Insightec is a global healthcare company creating the next generation of patient care by realising the therapeutic power of acoustic energy. The company's Exablate Neuro platform focuses sound waves, safely guided by MRI, to provide tremor treatment to patients with medication-refractory Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease. Research for future applications in the neuroscience space is underway in partnership with leading academic and medical institutions. Insightec is headquartered in Haifa, Israel, and Miami, USA, with additional offices in Dallas, Shanghai, and Tokyo.
About Getz Healthcare Australia and New Zealand
Getz Healthcare is recognised as the leading distributor of medical equipment, devices, and consumables, in Asia Pacific. The company partners with leading manufacturers in medical technology, to offer a wide range of innovative and high-quality products and solutions, enabling customers to focus on what is important – providing better care for patients. Headquartered in Singapore, Getz Healthcare has been operating in the Asia Pacific region for over 110 years, serving over 7,500 customers, from 23 offices and distribution centres, spread across Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Getz Healthcare is part of The Getz Group of companies. The company’s mission is to bring meaningful healthcare solutions to the people of Asia Pacific.
Contact:
Ben Stungo
benstungo@getzhealthcare.com
0437-010-133
1 The Hon Mark Butler MP. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/new-treatment-for-essential-tremor-now-available-through-medicare?language=en (accessed March 2024)
2 St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. Available at: https://www.svhs.org.au/focussed-ultrasound/about-tremor (accessed January 2024)
3 MSAC Public Summary Document. Application No. 1614 – Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for the treatment of medically refractory essential tremor. Insightec Ltd. Available at http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/AB7FA51A214EA974CA2587670008C261/$File/1614.1%20-%20Final%20PSD_Mar-Apr2022_Redacted.pdf (accessed August 2023)
4 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/tremor (accessed January 2024)