ERLANGEN, Germany and HAIFA, Israel, August 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

INSIGHTEC, the global leader in MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) therapy, announced today the signing of a strategic agreement with the global leader in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Siemens Healthineers. The strategic collaboration will involve the development of compatibility between Exablate Neuro and Siemens leading 1.5T and 3T clinical MRI systems, MAGNETOM Aera and Skyra. With this agreement, Siemens Healthineers follows its strategy of broadening and complementing its diagnostic imaging portfolio with advanced therapy solutions. Both parties will work towards providing access to Exablate Neuro for installed base, as well as new product installation customers.

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Exablate Neuro is the world's first and only CE and FDA-approved device for the non-invasive application of MR guided focused ultrasound to treat essential tremor and other conditions. Clinical research, development and regulatory approvals are ongoing for additional neurosurgical applications and markets.

"Our agreement with Siemens Healthineers will allow us to significantly expand Exablate Neuro's market presence. Siemens has embraced our technology and together we will bring our therapy to significantly more patients and providers," said Maurice R. Ferré MD, INSIGHTEC Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. "INSIGHTEC is committed to continue investing in research and development of MRgFUS technology. The strategic collaboration with Siemens Heathineers will allow more patients and researchers globally to benefit from the unique MRgFUS technology," he concluded.

Christoph Zindel, MD, Senior Vice President and General Manager of SIEMENS Healthineers' Magnetic Resonance business further highlights the importance of the agreement: "This strategic partnership of two leading organizations is exciting and further underlines Siemens Healthineers' strategy of enabling better patient outcomes by broadening its diagnostic imaging portfolio into advanced therapies in the area of neurological and other disorders. Together with INSIGHTEC and its innovative technology, we will jointly drive healthcare further together with our strong research and clinical customer network worldwide."

Exablate Neuro uses focused ultrasound waves to precisely target and accurately ablate tissue deep within the brain with no incisions, and while minimizing damage to adjacent healthy tissue. Siemens MR imaging plans to provide patient-specific treatment planning and continuous temperature monitoring for assessing treatment outcome in real-time during Exablate Neuro procedures.

This press release is available at http://www.siemens.com/press/PR2016080367HCEN

For further information on INSIGHTEC, please see http://www.insightec.com

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of gas and steam turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment - such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems - and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2015, which ended on September 30, 2015, Siemens generated revenue of €75.6 billion and net income of €7.4 billion. At the end of September 2015, the company had around 348,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at http://www.siemens.com.

INSIGHTEC is a world leader in MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS). The company's non-invasive therapy platform, Exablate, is transforming treatment for various indications in neurosurgery, oncology and women's health. During MRgFUS treatment, focused ultrasound waves ablate the target tissue, while MRI provides image-guidance and real-time thermal monitoring. A growing number of renowned physicians are realizing the clinical value of MRgFUS in more than 120 leading medical centers around the world. For more information please visit: http://www.insightec.com.

SOURCE Siemens Healthineers and INSIGHTEC