Chongqing- High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) machine made by Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology was recently shipped to Columbia, providing an alternative solution for cancer patients.

The locally-nurtured Haifu is recognized as a global pioneer in ultrasound therapy and has served 30 countries and regions worldwide since 1997, when the company developed the first China-invented HIFU system with complete intellectual property rights.

Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology is headquartered in Liangjiang, New Area. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

HIFU is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses ultrasonic waves to heat or ablate tissue and thus treats certain conditions, such as malignant tumors and benign uterine fibroids. HIFU therapy is believed to pose a lower risk and requires less recovery time than traditional surgery.

Locally nurtured and making a global presence

“Traditional surgery dates back over 200 years; now, the medical field is witnessing a transformation towards minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments. HIFU is a game changer, and we aim to have more patients benefit from this technology by expanding our global footprints,” said Jiang Gang, general manager of Haifu.

Haifu started its global market expansion in 2022 when its therapeutic system was recognized as potentially five years ahead of the rest of the world by David Cranston, an Associate Professor of Surgery in the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences at the University of Oxford.

 “Oxford had the first Chinese Haifu machine in the western world, and we did all the trials on liver and kidney cancer and were able to CE mark the machine, which is now available extensively in Europe,” according to David.

The global market is expanding, with more players joining over years of industry development. A MarketWatch report indicated that the global HIFU market size will reach USD 670.3 million by the end of 2027 from USD 289.1 million in 2020.

In 2021, there were 59 focused ultrasound manufacturers with full-scale commercialization and 895 focused ultrasound commercial treatment sites worldwide, according to the 2022 State of The Field FUS released by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation (FUF). Haifu machines have been installed at more than 60 treatment sites in Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia and have collectively treated over 210 thousand patients.

Never cease to elevate the industry

In 2021, the number of clinical indications or disorders in various stages of development hit 159, according to FUF.

“Haifu contributed over 80 of them. We are joined by nearly 100 medical doctors who closely work with our engineers and bring their clinical experience into technology upgrades and product design. This is why we can expand the range of HIFU applications,” said Jiang.

In 2004, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) recognized that the emerging industry needed to be standardized and invited Haifu to establish the first international standard for the HIFU industry.

So far, we have helped with 13 standards in the HIFU field, including six international standards and the world’s first national HIFU standard,” said Ye Fangwei, deputy manager of Haifu.

The company has been actively spreading the technology by training medical professionals and offering remote diagnoses and clinical support. “We try to elevate the industry by forming a whole industry chain and eventually to serve Haifu’s core value of minimizing the pain for patients,” Ye said.

(This article is written by Guo Shuyu, Liangjiang New Area Media Center)