Non-invasive brain stimulation to help anhedonia in depression
Official title: Efficacy of kTMP, a novel non-invasive brain stimulation method, for the treatment of anhedonia patients.
Funded at Magnetic Tides, INC. · NIH-11395657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new non-invasive brain stimulation method (kTMP) is being tested to help people with major depressive disorder who feel a lack of pleasure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magnetic Tides, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Cerrito, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,409,572 |
| NIH project number | 5R44MH142142-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diagnosed major depressive disorder who experience anhedonia and are eligible for brain stimulation therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without major depressive disorder or without prominent anhedonia may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project tests a first-in-class brain stimulation approach designed to modulate reward circuits in the brain to relieve anhedonia in major depressive disorder. Researchers will target the dorsal prefrontal cortex with kilohertz transcranial magnetic perturbation and use advanced neuronavigation and fMRI to guide the treatment. The goal is to show a measurable change in brain activity and in patients’ ability to experience pleasure and motivation, with safety and tolerability closely monitored. If successful, this could pave the way for more effective, non-drug therapies for depressive symptoms that are hard to treat today.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience improved mood and increased ability to enjoy activities.
How similar studies have gone: Past NIBS methods have shown variable efficacy; this study explores a novel, potentially more effective approach targeting reward networks.
Where this research is happening
-
Magnetic Tides, INC.
El Cerrito, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Labruna, Ludovica — Magnetic Tides, INC.
- Study coordinator: Labruna, Ludovica
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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.