Groundbreaking NIH Grant Award for BrainsWay
BURLINGTON, Mass. and JERUSALEM — BrainsWay Ltd. (NASDAQ: BWAY) has recently been honored with a $2.5 million research grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding will support an innovative clinical study aimed at exploring accelerated Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS™) as a treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Leading this promising research is Dr. Claudia Padula from Stanford University, along with Dr. Michelle Madore from the Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research.
Advancing the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
Dr. Colleen Hanlon, Vice President of Medical Affairs at BrainsWay, expressed enthusiasm about this accelerated treatment protocol, highlighting its potential to significantly advance research on AUD. "If successful, this rapid, high-intensity Deep TMS approach could effectively engage critical brain circuits and help in reducing the risk of relapse. Such findings could pave the way for new neuromodulation strategies in treating AUD," she noted.
Details of the Study
The study, titled Assessing the Impact of dTMS on Neural Targets Associated with Alcohol Use Disorder, employs BrainsWay’s state-of-the-art H7 Coil to engage specific brain areas linked to addiction and relapse. This clinical trial features an exciting and accelerated treatment schedule:
- Protocol: Participants will undergo three Deep TMS treatments daily for 10 business days, totaling 30 sessions.
- Design: The trial will consist of 100 adults diagnosed with AUD, following a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled framework.
- Mechanistic Focus: Researchers plan to utilize neuroimaging to assess the engagement of targeted neural regions, such as the dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex (dACC), and correlate these findings with clinical outcomes.
Continuation of Promising Research
This NIH grant marks the second significant award the research team has received in recent years, further establishing their position as leaders in the field of neuromodulation for addiction treatment. Last year, this same team was awarded a multimillion-dollar NIH grant to investigate a similar accelerated Deep TMS approach for Stimulant Use Disorder (specifically Methamphetamine Use Disorder, MUD), with a primary focus on supporting veterans.
Importance of This Research
Hadar Levy, Chief Executive Officer of BrainsWay, expressed excitement about the clinical trials being conducted by these distinguished researchers. The results from both the AUD and MUD studies could potentially lead to wider adoption of advanced, noninvasive treatment techniques for substance use disorders.
BrainsWay's Commitment to Mental Health
This research aligns with BrainsWay’s recent developments regarding the use of accelerated treatment protocols in their product line. The company has recently achieved FDA clearance for its H1 Coil, aimed at treating major depressive disorder (MDD), including patients who also experience anxiety symptoms.
About BrainsWay
BrainsWay is at the forefront of noninvasive neurostimulation technology for mental health treatment. With its proprietary Deep TMS platform, the company strives to advance the field of neuroscience to enhance global mental health outcomes. BrainsWay stands out as the first TMS company to receive FDA clearance for three distinct indications, all supported by substantial clinical research validating their efficacy. These include treatments for major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and smoking addiction. Founded in 2003 with operations in both the U.S. and Israel, BrainsWay is committed to increasing awareness and accessibility of Deep TMS therapies worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main purpose of the NIH grant awarded to BrainsWay?
The grant aims to support a clinical study on the efficacy of accelerated Deep TMS therapy for treating Alcohol Use Disorder.
2. Who is leading the research team for this study?
The research team is led by Dr. Claudia Padula and Dr. Michelle Madore from Stanford University and the Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research.
3. How many participants will be enrolled in the study?
The study plans to enroll 100 adults diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder.
4. What technology is being used in this study?
The study utilizes BrainsWay’s H7 Coil to target specific brain areas associated with addiction mechanisms.
5. What is the significance of accelerated TMS treatments?
Accelerated TMS treatments offer a rapid protocol that may improve patient access and outcomes in treating alcohol use disorders.
