Using focused ultrasound to treat severe opioid use disorder

A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial Investigating Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound as a Novel Treatment for Refractory Opioid Use Disorder

This study is testing whether low intensity focused ultrasound can help people aged 22 to 60 with severe opioid use disorder who haven't had success with other treatments.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 34 (estimated)
• Ages: 22 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: West Virginia University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Morgantown, West Virginia)
• Trial ID: NCT06218706 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) to treat individuals with severe, treatment-refractory opioid use disorder (OUD). It is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, partial crossover study that aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of this innovative treatment approach. Participants will receive LIFU targeting specific brain regions while monitoring its impact on substance use and associated risk factors. The study will include individuals aged 22 to 60 who meet the diagnostic criteria for severe OUD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 22 to 60 with a diagnosis of severe opioid use disorder and a history of treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological disorders or those unable to undergo MR-imaging due to incompatible implants may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a novel, non-invasive option for individuals struggling with severe opioid use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of focused ultrasound in this context is novel, similar approaches in other areas of neuromodulation have shown promise.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 22 - 60 years at time of enrollment.
* Fulfill current DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th ed, 2013) diagnostic criteria for severe OUD with at least a 2-year history.
* Women of reproductive potential must have negative pregnancy test and agree to use acceptable forms of contraception.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to undergo MR-imaging because of non-MR compatible implants (e.g., pacemakers, medication pumps, aneurysm clips, metallic prostheses (including metal pins and rods, heart valves or cochlear implants), shrapnel fragments, permanent make-up or small metal fragments in the eye that welders and other metal workers may have), or if candidates are uncomfortable in small spaces (have claustrophobia) or cannot lie comfortably on their back for 2-3 hours.
* History of any clinically significant neurological disorder (e.g., brain surgery, tumors, uncontrolled epilepsy, or any others deemed clinically significant by the investigator).
* History of stroke or brain lesion in the targeted brain region (the NAc, ventral striatum, or VC).
* Implanted neurostimulators (e.g., vagus nerve stimulator, spinal cord stimulator, DBS).
* Documentation of clinically significant MRI abnormality indicative of a neurological condition or abnormality that may jeopardize the participant's safety, study conduct, or confound the participant's diagnostic assessments.
* More than 30% of the skull area traversed by the sonication pathway is covered by scars, scalp disorders (e.g., eczema), or atrophy of the scalp.
* Subject with chronic pulmonary disorders e.g. severe emphysema, pulmonary vasculitis, or other causes of reduced pulmonary vascular cross-sectional area.
* Subject with impaired renal function with estimated glomerular filtration rate \<30 mL/min/1.73m2
* Hepatic function laboratory values which are \> 1.5 times the upper limit of normal unless deemed not clinically significant by a study investigator.
* Past or present diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychotic disorder.
* Subject unwilling to attempt abstinence from illicit substance use during the course of the study.
* Unable to speak, read and understand English.
* Subject is considered to be a poor surgical or study candidate, which may include, but is not limited to the following: any medical, social, or psychological problem that could complicate the required procedures and evaluations of the study in the judgment of the investigator.

Where this trial is running

Morgantown, West Virginia

• WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute — Morgantown, West Virginia, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ali Rezai — Executive Director WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
• Study coordinator: James Mahoney

Conditions Opioid Use Disorder