Using focused ultrasound to help people quit smoking
Official title: Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Tobacco Use Disorder: High Resolution Targeting of the Human Insula
Funded at U.s. Dept/vets Affairs Medical Center · NIH-11070401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, gentle ultrasound treatment that might help people who want to quit smoking by reducing their cravings for cigarettes, and it's designed for anyone struggling with tobacco use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | U.s. Dept/vets Affairs Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002427-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who struggle with tobacco use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke or are not seeking to quit smoking may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) as a noninvasive treatment for tobacco use disorder (TUD). The approach targets a specific area of the brain known as the dorsal anterior insular cortex, which is linked to cravings for cigarettes. By applying LIFU, the study aims to reduce nicotine cravings and help individuals stop smoking. Participants will be monitored for safety and tolerability as the researchers gather data on the effectiveness of this innovative treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, noninvasive method to help individuals overcome nicotine addiction and reduce smoking rates.
How similar studies have gone: While noninvasive neuromodulation has shown promise in other areas, the specific application of LIFU for tobacco use disorder is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
U.s. Dept/vets Affairs Medical Center
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Mary — U.s. Dept/vets Affairs Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Mary
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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.