Surf Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing non-invasive ultrasound neuromodulation therapies for immune-mediated diseases, announced positive first-in-human study results alongside an extension of its seed financing round, bringing total funding to approximately $6 million.
The funding follows the completion of a multi-center, single-blind, sham-controlled, cross-over study involving 14 participants, including adults with inflammatory arthritis. The study demonstrated statistically significant reductions in key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, compared with sham treatment after repeated ultrasound stimulation. The company reported no device-related adverse events.
Surf Therapeutics plans to publish the study data later this year and present findings at EULAR 2026.
Founded in late 2022, the company has rapidly progressed from concept through preclinical development to human trials. Its platform is designed to activate the body’s natural anti-inflammatory pathways using non-invasive ultrasound, eliminating the need for drugs, surgery, or implanted devices.
The newly raised capital builds on a prior seed round backed by investors including SOSV, VVP Ignite, TMC Venture Fund, General Inception, Elderberry Ventures, Evoce Capital, and others, along with angel investors such as Mir Imran of Rani Therapeutics.
The company also recently initiated its SUSTAIN early feasibility study, which is evaluating its investigational ultrasound neuromodulation therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The trial is currently enrolling patients across three clinical sites in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Surf Therapeutics aims to use the additional funding to expand clinical evidence and prepare for a future pivotal trial, with a focus on developing a commercially scalable, at-home treatment option for chronic inflammatory diseases.
KEY QUOTES
“Closing this financing on the back of positive first-in-human data is a milestone we’re proud of – it reflects both the strength of the science and our team’s ability to execute. Since founding the company in late 2022 and completing both preclinical and first-in-human studies, our team has worked with urgency to translate this technology into a clinical-stage platform. This additional funding strengthens our ability to continue advancing clinical evidence and preparing for a future pivotal trial with a device designed for commercial scalability.”
Nishant Doctor, CEO and Co-Founder of Surf Therapeutics
“One of the things that stood out to us about Surf was the team’s ability to move from concept to clinical study with remarkable capital efficiency. They’ve demonstrated that disciplined execution can advance a very promising non-pharmaceutical treatment to help people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis into human studies without the massive capital typically required. That combination makes Surf a very exciting company to support.”
Joe Kiani, Limited Partner and Advisor to Elderberry Ventures, Executive Chairman of Willow and Like Minded Labs, and Founder of Masimo
