Focused ultrasound targeting brain circuits to reduce opioid cravings
An investigation of low-intensity focused ultrasound for addiction
This work uses gentle focused ultrasound aimed at specific brain areas to try to reduce opioid cravings for people with opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251801 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a noninvasive way to change activity in precise brain regions, to target circuits linked to opioid craving. The team tests how exciting or inhibiting a key prefrontal circuit affects relapse-like behavior in a rat model of opioid use disorder during different stages of withdrawal. They will measure changes in drug-seeking behavior and study the underlying neurochemical signals that change with LIFU. The goal is to learn whether this approach could eventually be adapted for humans and to identify how it works in the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: In future human trials, the ideal candidates would be people with opioid use disorder who experience significant craving or repeated relapse despite current treatments.
Not a fit: People without opioid use disorder, those needing immediate medication-based stabilization, or individuals with certain implanted medical devices may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a noninvasive treatment that lowers cravings and reduces relapse risk for people with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: LIFU has been used safely for some other brain disorders in humans, but applying it to addiction is novel and remains untested in people so far.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lynch, Wendy Jean — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Lynch, Wendy Jean
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 below.