Aclarion, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACON, ACONW) reported first quarter 2026 results highlighted by a 196% year-over-year increase in Nociscan scan volumes, signaling accelerating clinical adoption and integration of its biomarker and AI-driven platform into clinical workflows. The company also achieved 64% sequential scan volume growth from Q4 2025, driven by new account activation and deeper utilization within existing sites.
The strong performance reflects growing physician confidence in Nociscan, which uses magnetic resonance spectroscopy and proprietary algorithms to help identify the location of chronic low back pain. With approximately 5.8 million lumbar MRIs performed annually in the U.S. for low back pain, Aclarion sees a potential $2 billion market opportunity for its technology.
Key growth catalysts include early reimbursement wins in the U.K., where Nociscan is now covered by Vitality, AXA, and Aviva—three of the four largest private insurers. The company also launched a targeted direct-to-patient campaign in the U.K., featuring a video with Mr. John Sutcliffe, Consultant Spinal Neurosurgeon at The London Clinic. In the U.S., Aclarion continues to engage payers through its Nociscan Reimbursement Program to establish coverage pathways.
On the clinical front, the CLARITY randomized trial is advancing, with a preliminary internal readout expected in the second half of 2026 and public disclosure of early interim results anticipated in late 2026. Seven ongoing clinical trials and multiple investigator-initiated real-world evidence trials are underway to support reimbursement discussions and potential local coverage decisions by commercial insurers.
Aclarion strengthened its intellectual property portfolio with a newly issued patent covering the use of AI in workflows of future products, bringing the total to 64 issued and pending patents worldwide. The company also announced a $2.5 million share repurchase program.
Financially, Aclarion enters this growth phase with a solid foundation. As of March 31, 2026, the company held $19.0 million in cash with no debt. With 2,444,871 common shares outstanding (2,882,371 fully diluted), the cash per share on a fully diluted basis is approximately $6.60. Management believes existing cash resources, combined with the stock buyback program, are sufficient to fund operations into the second half of 2027.
"Q1 represents a clear inflection for Aclarion," said Brent Ness, Chief Executive Officer. "Scan volume growth accelerated significantly, driven by increasing physician adoption and stronger execution with our recently hired Commercial Directors in the UK and the Eastern US. Importantly, we are still in the early stages of commercializing Nociscan into a large and underpenetrated market."
