Pulse Biosciences (Nasdaq:PLSE) today announced a collaboration aimed at using its pulsed field ablation (PFA) technology for thyroid cancer treatment.
The Hayward, California-based company entered into a research collaboration with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. They aim to examine the use of the nPulse Vybrance percutaneous electrode system for treating thyroid cancers.
Pulse Biosciences says the FDA approved an investigational device exemption (IDE) for this first-in-human clinical feasibility study.
The company’s proprietary nPulse technology delivers nanosecond pulses of electrical energy to non-thermally clear cells while sparing adjacent noncellular tissue. It originally developed its nPulse technology for use in the treatment of AFib and in other areas such as surgical soft tissue ablation. The FDA granted IDE for the nanosecond pulsed field ablation (nsPFA) system for treating AFib in September.
nPulse Vybrance, a percutaneous electrode system, features a percutaneous needle electrode for use with the proprietary nPulse console. The electrode harnesses and delivers the key advantages of nsPFA energy to enable precise, nonthermal removal of cellular tissue. This proprietary system is designed for non-cardiac applications.
Under the agreement, MD Anderson researchers will conduct the clinical study to assess the safety and efficacy of nPulse technology in treating papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Dr. Victoria Banuchi, associate professor of head & neck surgery, leads the study, set to begin in 2026.
Pulse expects the study to take place at two sites and enroll 30 subjects. MD Anderson researchers intend to evaluate nsPFA energy’s effect on anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, a deadly type of cancer.
“We believe the nonthermal mechanism of action of nsPFA, which limits scarring, fibrosis, and damage to critical surrounding structures, positions our nPulse technology as potentially the ideal treatment for benign and malignant thyroid tumors. We look forward to carrying this collaborative work forward to evaluate how our game-changing technology may benefit these patients,” said Paul LaViolette, Co-Chairman and CEO of Pulse Biosciences.
