Using low-intensity focused ultrasound to treat addiction
An investigation of low-intensity focused ultrasound for addiction
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11001966
This study is looking at how a gentle ultrasound treatment can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse in people struggling with opioid addiction by targeting specific areas of the brain, using rats to learn more about how it works.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11001966 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) as a non-invasive method to target and modulate specific brain circuits involved in addiction and cravings. By applying LIFU to the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, the study aims to understand how this technique can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse in individuals with opioid use disorder. The research will utilize a rat model to explore the neurochemical mechanisms behind LIFU's effects, providing insights into its potential as a new treatment approach for addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with opioid use disorder who are seeking alternative treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those who are not open to experimental treatment methods may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment for opioid use disorder that significantly reduces relapse rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the application of LIFU for addiction treatment is novel, similar neuromodulation techniques have shown promise in other areas of medicine.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LYNCH, WENDY JEAN — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: LYNCH, WENDY JEAN
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 below.
Conditions: addictive disorder