At a Glance
- Company: SonoNeu (Salk Institute spin-out, General Inception co-founder)
- Location: Palo Alto, California
- Funding: Up to $41.3M ARPA-H award ($5.2M to SonoNeu)
- Focus area: Sonogenetics for peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy, Parkinson’s
- Next steps: 6-year multi-institution project toward clinical trials
What happened?
SonoNeu officially exited stealth on 7 April 2026 as the commercial vehicle for a major US government-funded research programme to develop sonogenetics—a novel, drug-free therapy using ultrasound to control specific “tagged” cells. The Salk Institute-led project, awarded up to $41.3 million by ARPA-H (part of the US Department of Health and Human Services), includes SonoNeu receiving $5.2 million to translate the technology into therapeutics.
Why does it matter?
Sonogenetics offers precise, non-invasive cell modulation without drugs or implants, potentially transforming treatments for peripheral neuropathy (affecting 20M+ Americans), epilepsy, paralysis and Parkinson’s. By tagging cells with ultrasound-sensitive proteins, focused ultrasound remotely activates only targeted cells, avoiding systemic side effects and enabling brain applications where drugs struggle to penetrate.
Who’s behind it?
Co-founded by Salk Institute scientist Sreekanth Chalasani, PhD (discoverer of sonogenetics), and General Inception (Venkat Reddy, CSO). The 6-year consortium includes Scripps Research (Nobel laureate Ardem Patapoutian), MIT, Duke University, University of Manitoba and UC San Diego, combining expertise in ultrasound-sensitive proteins, nerve repair and preclinical validation.
How was it achieved?
Sonogenetics uses genetic engineering to make specific cells ultrasound-responsive via mechanosensitive proteins, allowing precise activation without surgery or chemicals. ARPA-H funding supports protein discovery, ultrasound delivery systems and preclinical proof in mammalian models, aiming for FDA evaluation and commercialisation via SonoNeu.
What’s next?
Over 6 years, the team will engineer ultrasound-sensitive tools, develop delivery methods and generate preclinical data for peripheral neuropathy, with brain applications (epilepsy, Parkinson’s) in scope. SonoNeu coordinates translation toward IND and clinical trials.
What are people saying?
Venkat Reddy (SonoNeu co-founder): “Sonogenetics holds incredible promise… non-invasive manner.” Sreekanth Chalasani: “Transformative for conditions… modulating cell activity.”