September 25, 2025
At Envol Biomedical, advancing the boundaries of neuroscience research is more than an aspiration—it is part of our daily practice. A recent demonstration study highlights both the precision of our surgical team and the power of collaborative innovation. The project explored MRI-guided infusion into the thalamus of nonhuman primates and leveraged Cryo-Fluorescence Tomography to visualize biodistribution within the brain—an approach that underscores Envol’s ability to deliver complex, multidisciplinary science with speed and accuracy.
Click here to review the entire study.
Precision Delivery to the Central Nervous System
The study used the ClearPoint Neuro cannula system to achieve accurate, MRI-guided delivery directly to the thalamus. This technique reflects Envol’s growing focus on CNS research, where precise dosing into targeted brain regions is critical to the development of novel therapies. Achieving this level of accuracy demands specialized surgical expertise—an area where Envol’s primate experience and advanced capabilities set us apart.
Innovative Imaging to Understand Biodistribution
Following direct infusion, Envol applied Cryo-Fluorescence Tomography—a powerful ex vivo imaging technology that co-registers anatomical and molecular data to generatethree-dimensional reconstructions of fluorescently tagged material within the brain. By comparing results against traditional histological approaches, this study provided valuable insights into how therapeutic agents distribute and persist following localized delivery. The outcome offers a novel proof of concept for sponsors seeking better ways to answer fundamental biodistribution questions in the CNS.
Why This Matters for Sponsors
Sponsors developing advanced CNS therapies face two critical challenges:
- Delivering test articles accurately and safely to deep brain structures
- Characterizing what happens to those agents once delivered
Envol’s combined surgical precision and imaging expertise directly address both challenges. The ability to dose with MRI-guided accuracy—validated by advanced imaging and histology—provides sponsors with a more reliable picture of therapeutic behavior in the brain, helping de-risk development and inform clinical strategies.
Collaboration as a Catalyst
This project also reflects Envol’s collaborative approach. By partnering with ClearPoint Neuro and the advanced experts at EMIT Imaging, Envol Biomedical assembled a best-in-class team to execute a novel, technically demanding study. The result demonstrates not only Envol’s internal expertise but also our ability to bring together the right partners to answer sophisticated scientific questions.
Sophistication with Agility
As Dr. Jacob McDonald, CEO of Envol Biomedical, explains:
“We wanted to evolve from simply dosing and sampling into becoming a true partner for sponsors who need answers to complex questions. This study shows that we can conduct highly sophisticated, multidisciplinary work while still providing the nimbleness, speed, and cost advantages of a specialized CRO.” Envol Biomedical is uniquely positioned to support sponsors at every stage—from straightforward GLP toxicology to highly advanced CNS research. With expertise in primate models, surgical delivery, and advanced imaging, Envol offers a rare combination of precision, innovation, and efficiency.