Focused ultrasound for reducing cocaine craving and use
Official title: Transcranial focused ultrasound for the treatment of cocaine use disorder
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11400264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests a gentle brain therapy using targeted ultrasound to help people with cocaine use disorder reduce craving and cocaine use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $692,449 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3DA066451-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cocaine use disorder who are seeking treatment and are eligible for the ultrasound procedure.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cocaine use disorder or those unable to undergo brain stimulation procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will test a single session of ventral striatum-focused low intensity ultrasound in adults with cocaine use disorder to see if it lowers cravings and possibly decreases cocaine use. Researchers will use brain imaging and behavioral assessments to measure changes in craving, brain activity, and real-world use after treatment. If promising, they will plan a larger, multi-day treatment trial to confirm the benefits and safety in a clinical setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience reduced craving and lower cocaine use after a minimally invasive brain treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies in opioid use disorder suggest craving reduction after ventral striatum-targeted LIFU, but this exact approach in cocaine use disorder is new.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scangos, Katherine W — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Scangos, Katherine W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Using focused ultrasound to change brain activity related to cocaine addiction
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Dose-Dependent Brain Wire Modulation with Light Ultrasound in Deep White Matter
A small early study tests whether gentle, noninvasive ultrasound can change how deep brain white matter tracts work in healthy adults.
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This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.