Innovative brain technology to help people with treatment-resistant depression at home
Official title: Center for Innovative NeuroTech Advancement - CINTA (18408 Motif NeuroTech-Yr2)
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11552393 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, small implantable brain stimulator aims to deliver personalized, at-home therapy for people with treatment-resistant depression who have not benefited from standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 1, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $968,954 |
| NIH project number | 3U54EB033650-05SG |
| Project ID | NIH-11552393 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to multiple pharmacologic therapies and are eligible for neuromodulation approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose depression responds to existing non-invasive therapies or who are not suitable for implanted devices may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops the XCS, a minimally invasive implantable device that delivers targeted brain stimulation and can be controlled through a physician interface and a user-friendly mobile app, enabling at-home treatment. The device is designed to be powered wirelessly, record brain activity, and allow future adaptive dosing. Preclinical safety work and early human studies have shown the approach is feasible and safe to date, with plans to translate to broader clinical use for TRD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with treatment-resistant depression could access convenient, long-term brain stimulation therapy at home, potentially reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in neuromodulation have shown potential benefits, and this project builds on established safety data with novel at-home, implantable technology.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schachter, Steven C. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Schachter, Steven C.
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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.