Innovative Pilot Study Shows Promise for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
BURLINGTON, Mass. and JERUSALEM — BrainsWay Ltd. (NASDAQ: BWAY), a trailblazer in the field of non-invasive treatments for brain disorders, recently shared encouraging results from an independent pilot study. Conducted by a research team at Stanford University, this study evaluated an accelerated protocol using BrainsWay's advanced Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) technology specifically aimed at patients battling alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Key Findings of the Study
The research assessed the effectiveness of BrainsWay's proprietary H7-Coil in a group of five AUD patients who underwent multiple Deep TMS sessions daily across several days. The results were compared to data previously collected from forty-nine patients who received alternative treatment methods. Impressively, those undergoing the accelerated Deep TMS displayed significantly improved outcomes during the follow-up period. This group reported fewer heavy drinking days, boasting only 3% as compared to 22% among those in other treatment programs. Moreover, rates of regular drinking were lower as well: 15% for Deep TMS recipients versus 28% for alternative treatments, alongside a reduction in relapse rates from 60% to 74%.
Brain Activity Insights
The study also utilized neuroimaging techniques to observe changes in areas of the brain associated with addiction, providing a deeper understanding of how Deep TMS affects brain connectivity and activity. These promising neuroimaging results correlate with the observed behavioral improvements, highlighting the potential of this treatment to help prevent relapse in AUD patients.
Support from National Institutes of Health
Shortly after the publication of the pilot study, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded approximately $1.5 million to the research team to further investigate BrainsWay's Deep TMS system's efficacy in treating substance use addictions more broadly. This significant funding reinforces the potential of Deep TMS as an innovative non-invasive treatment approach, signaling a shift towards modernizing addiction therapy.
The Importance of Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a serious global issue, affecting millions and resulting in both personal and societal difficulties. BrainsWay's CEO, Hadar Levy, emphasized the necessity for innovative treatments to facilitate long-term recovery for those affected by AUD. The promising outcomes of the pilot study may very well shape future research directions and clinical applications for similar addictive disorders.
The Future of Deep TMS
Despite the encouraging results, currently, BrainsWay Deep TMS is not yet cleared by the FDA specifically for treating alcohol use disorder. However, its existing clearances for major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and smoking addiction reflect the company's commitment to advancing the field of neurostimulation therapy.
About BrainsWay
Established in 2003, BrainsWay operates with a mission to lead on a global scale in advanced neurostimulation therapies focused on mental health disorders. The company has established itself as a frontrunner in the TMS landscape with three FDA-cleared indications supported by substantial clinical evidence. The potential applications of Deep TMS extend into various psychiatric, neurological, and addiction disorders, with ongoing clinical trials aimed at enhancing treatment efficacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is BrainsWay's role in treating AUD?
BrainsWay is innovating treatments for alcohol use disorder using their Deep TMS technology, aiming to improve recovery outcomes.
2. What were the key results of the independent study?
Patients receiving accelerated Deep TMS reported significant improvements in heavy drinking days and relapse rates compared to traditional treatments.
3. How is the NIH involved with BrainsWay's research?
The NIH awarded BrainsWay's research team $1.5 million to further explore Deep TMS's efficacy for treating substance use disorders.
4. Is Deep TMS FDA approved for treating AUD?
Currently, Deep TMS is not cleared by the FDA specifically for alcohol use disorder treatment but is approved for other mental health conditions.
5. What is BrainsWay aiming to achieve with its TMS therapies?
BrainsWay aims to enhance the lives of those with mental health disorders through innovative, evidence-backed non-invasive treatments.
