Aug. 13, 2026 — The Focused Ultrasound Foundation and Bracco Imaging have announced a partnership to facilitate access to Bracco’s research version of the SonoVue microbubble (so-called BR1), helping accelerate preclinical focused ultrasound research worldwide.
Microbubble-assisted focused ultrasound techniques have the potential to improve treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, brain tumors, mental health disorders and solid tumors throughout the body.
Under the terms of the partnership, investigators working on Focused Ultrasound Foundation — funded preclinical or non-clinical research projects that involve the use of microbubbles will have the opportunity to obtain Bracco’s proprietary research microbubbles at an expedited pace and fixed price, reducing delay in preclinical studies that rely on microbubbles.
Microbubble Research
While microbubbles were initially developed and commercialized to enhance diagnostic ultrasound images, researchers subsequently discovered that when intravenously administered before focused ultrasound, oscillation of the microbubbles from the ultrasound waves can lead to biological effects. Today, microbubbles play an essential role in key focused ultrasound applications, including blood-brain barrier modulation and targeted drug delivery. By making it easier for investigators to access essential materials, the collaboration is expected to facilitate new research projects, strengthen scientific collaborations, and ultimately help bring promising focused ultrasound treatments to patients more quickly.
“One of the Foundation’s core priorities is identifying and removing barriers that slow the pace of innovation,” said Lauren Hadley, MD, MBA, associate director of the Foundation’s Research and Education Team. “By improving access to a critical research reagent, this partnership will allow investigators to focus on what matters most — advancing discoveries that have the potential to improve patient care.”
“Bracco is committed to providing high-quality microbubble reagents to support preclinical studies sponsored by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation,” said Victor Jeannot (PharmD, PhD, EMBA) R&D Program manager at Bracco. “Through this collaboration, leading research centers will gain access to Bracco’s microbubble technology and dedicated technical support, helping to unlock the full potential of gas-filled microbubbles combined with therapeutic ultrasound and accelerate the development of innovative therapeutic applications.”
The Foundation provides support to investigators in academia and medical research disciplines worldwide for preclinical and translational research studies and clinical trials.
More information on applying for research funding can be found on the Foundation’s website.
Researchers and other microbubble companies that are interested in participating in the microbubble access program are encouraged to contact Dr. Hadley.
August 17, 2026 
