Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
Official title: Modulating ventral striatal activity and connectivity with transcranial focused ultrasound as a putative novel intervention for cocaine use disorder
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11611302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $972,416 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3DA060431-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11611302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 18-45 without current cocaine use disorder for the initial safety/feasibility phase (healthy volunteers).
✕Less likely to help
Results from healthy volunteers may not immediately apply to patients with cocaine use disorder.
What this research studies
This project aims to show that focused ultrasound can safely modulate the ventral striatum, a brain area linked to craving in cocaine use disorder. In healthy volunteers, researchers will apply the ultrasound to the ventral striatum and use engaging tasks to measure brain response and reward signals. If successful, this could pave the way for a new, device-based approach to help people who struggle with cocaine use. The team plans careful safety monitoring and translational steps toward future studies in patients with cocaine use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a new non-invasive treatment to reduce cravings and help people manage cocaine use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous neuromodulation work has shown feasibility in altering subcortical activity, with limited but growing evidence supporting deep brain targeting.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phillips, Mary Louise — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Phillips, Mary Louise
Related research
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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.