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Surf Therapeutics

A non-invasive approach to regulating inflammation through targeted ultrasound

Surf Therapeutics is pioneering a non-invasive approach to treating autoimmune disease by using ultrasound to activate the body’s natural anti-inflammatory pathway. Rather than relying on biologics or surgical implants, Surf’s device targets the splenic nerve to reduce inflammatory signals that drive conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway has already been clinically and commercially validated by an FDA-approved implantable competitor; Surf delivers comparable cytokine suppression through a 10-minute daily session, eliminating the need for surgery or chronic drug therapy. Early human data showed meaningful reductions in key inflammatory markers, and the company has progressed from concept to clinical study with remarkable capital efficiency. Jetstream views this investment as an opportunity to back a fundamentally new modality in neuromodulation—the non-invasive application of ultrasound to immunology—with the potential to redefine how therapies are delivered across large, established markets and to serve as a scalable platform across a wide range of immune-mediated conditions.

Company Snapshot

Industry: Medical Technology, Bioelectronic Medicine
Sector: Healthcare / Therapeutics / Neuromodulation
Focus: Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Disorders
Technology: Ultrasound Neuromodulation, Bioelectronic Medicine Platform
Stage: Seed
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Website: www.surftherapeutics.com

Portfolio Manager Perspective

“What stood out to us is the combination of a defined biological pathway and a non-invasive delivery method. Approaches that can influence immune response through targeted neuromodulation introduce a different way to think about managing chronic inflammatory disease.” — Chris Yoo, PhD, Portfolio Manager

Company Overview

Surf Therapeutics has developed a non-invasive, at-home ultrasound device designed to activate the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), a neural mechanism involved in regulating immune response.

The platform applies targeted ultrasound to engage neural circuits associated with the spleen, with the goal of modulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. These cytokines play a central role in the progression of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

By leveraging ultrasound-based neuromodulation, Surf Therapeutics is building a system designed for repeatable use, with a focus on safety, accessibility, and alignment with existing treatment workflows.

The Problem

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) affect millions of adults in the United States and represent a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems.

A meaningful portion of patients:

  • Do not fully respond to existing therapies
  • Experience adverse side effects
  • Cannot tolerate or are contraindicated for certain medications

Despite advances in biologics and immunosuppressive therapies, many patients continue to cycle through treatment options without achieving sustained disease control.

As a result, there is a need for approaches that can modulate immune response without introducing additional systemic burden.

Why Surf Therapeutics Stands Out

Unlike traditional therapeutic approaches that rely on systemic drug exposure, Surf Therapeutics is focused on neuromodulation as a method of influencing immune response. Its platform is designed to engage biological pathways directly, rather than targeting downstream symptoms.

What sets the company apart:

  • Non-Invasive Modality: No drugs, implants, or surgical procedures required
  • Targeting a Well-Studied Biological Pathway: Focused on the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, a mechanism associated with immune regulation
  • At-Home Treatment Model: Designed for ease of use and consistent application outside of clinical settings
  • Broad-Beam Ultrasound Technology: Enables stimulation across a larger neural volume for pathway engagement
  • Potential Applicability Across Indications: Approach may extend across multiple inflammatory and autoimmune conditions

Together, these factors position Surf Therapeutics within a developing category of bioelectronic medicine focused on regulating immune function through neural pathways.

Why We Invested

Surf Therapeutics we believe sits at the intersection of device innovation and biological pathway modulation. As understanding of neuro-immune interactions continues to evolve, approaches that influence underlying regulatory systems may expand how chronic inflammatory diseases are managed.

Jetstream invested because platforms that engage core biological mechanisms, while offering a different delivery profile than traditional therapeutics, have the potential to become meaningful complements within the broader treatment landscape. Surf Therapeutics represents an opportunity to gain exposure to a modality that may contribute to how inflammatory conditions are addressed over time.

Leadership

Surf Therapeutics is led by a team with experience across medicine, engineering, and product development within clinical and research environments.