Press Release
Visano Theranostics Secures Exclusive License from Case Western Reserve University to Advance Nanobubble Platform for Prostate Cancer Imaging and Therapy
CLEVELAND, Ohio, June 02, 2026
Visano Theranostics announced today that it has executed an exclusive license agreement with Case Western Reserve University – Technology Transfer Office for a portfolio of nanobubble technologies focused on molecular ultrasound imaging and therapeutic applications in prostate cancer.
The agreement provides Visano with exclusive rights to key intellectual property related to targeted and non-targeted nanobubble technologies developed at Case Western Reserve University and establishes the foundation for the company’s next phase of translational and commercial development.
Visano is developing a molecular ultrasound imaging platform designed to add a real-time molecular visibility layer to existing ultrasound workflows during prostate cancer procedures. The company’s PSMA-targeted nanobubbles are intended to work with standard clinical ultrasound systems, potentially enabling more precise visualization during prostate biopsy and image-guided interventions without the use of ionizing radiation.
“This exclusive license represents an important milestone for Visano and positions the company to begin executing the next phase of development,” said Michael Haag, CEO of Visano Theranostics. “We believe molecular ultrasound has the potential to provide physicians with a new molecular visibility layer during prostate cancer procedures while integrating into existing clinical workflows and imaging systems.”
The licensed technology was developed through the laboratories of Case Western Reserve University researchers Agata Exner, PhD, and James P. Basilion, PhD, whose work has focused on advancing targeted ultrasound contrast agents and theranostic applications.
Visano also announced the addition of Hui Zhu, MD, and Bruno Nahar, MD, as clinical advisors to support the company’s translational strategy across prostate cancer imaging, image-guided procedures, and focal therapy applications.
“The ability to identify suspicious lesions for prostate cancer on a real-time basis during ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy has the potential to significantly improve the current process of prostate cancer diagnosis,” said Hui Zhu, MD, clinical advisor to Visano Theranostics. “This type of imaging capability could ultimately help improve targeting accuracy, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and support more precise treatment approaches while improving efficiency for both physicians and patients.”
With the license now in place, Visano will begin implementation of its Phase II Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF) project, supported in part by the Ohio Department of Development and Ohio Third Frontier. The project is focused on advancing key preclinical and translational activities necessary for future regulatory engagement and clinical development. The award provides up to $170,000 in support for the company’s development activities.
Visano previously participated in the JumpStart Inc. Trailblazer accelerator program, which supports emerging healthcare and technology startups across Ohio.
“Our goal is to build a clinically practical molecular imaging platform that can integrate into standard urology workflows,” said Haag. “This milestone positions us to begin advancing the development plan needed to move this technology toward patients.”
#ProstateCancer #MolecularImaging #MedTech #PSMA #VisanoTheranostics
Disclaimer: Although portions of the work described herein are supported financially by the State of Ohio, the content of this release reflects the views of Visano Theranostics and does not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Ohio, the Ohio Department of Development, or Ohio Third Frontier.