Personalized brain stimulation for depression using digital twin models

Scalable Biomarkers and Generative Digital Twins for Personalized Neurostimulation in Depression

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11139607

This project will use brain measurements and computer "digital twin" models to tailor noninvasive brain-stimulation treatments for people with depression, including those who haven't responded to other therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11139607 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will collect individual brain data and biomarkers from people with depression to build computer "digital twin" models that simulate how each person's brain responds to repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). Those models will be used to choose stimulation targets and settings that are predicted to work best for each person. The team will develop scalable biomarkers and algorithms so the approach could be applied more broadly outside specialist centers. If successful, the approach aims to make rTMS more consistently effective across patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with clinical depression, especially those with treatment-resistant depression or people considering rTMS, would be the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without clinical depression or whose condition is well controlled by current treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could increase the chances that noninvasive brain stimulation helps each person and reduce trial-and-error in finding effective settings.

How similar studies have performed: Personalized rTMS guided by biomarkers has shown promise in earlier work, but combining scalable biomarkers with generative "digital twin" models is a novel and still-developing approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.