Using focused ultrasound to change brain activity related to cocaine addiction
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-11101355 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring whether a special ultrasound technique can help change brain activity in people with cocaine use disorder to reduce cravings and improve treatment, and it involves healthy volunteers doing a fun reward task to see how it works.
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 | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $694,963 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3DA060431-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101355 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cocaine use disorder who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cocaine use disorder or those with contraindications for ultrasound treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) to modulate activity in the ventral striatum, a brain region involved in reward processing, in individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD). The study aims to determine if tFUS can effectively engage this area of the brain, potentially reducing cravings and improving treatment outcomes for those struggling with addiction. Healthy volunteers will participate in a reward task to assess the effects of tFUS on brain activity. If successful, this approach could lead to new, device-based interventions for CUD and similar disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for individuals with cocaine use disorder, potentially reducing cravings and improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of transcranial focused ultrasound is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in modulating brain activity in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this application.
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.