Matter Neuroscience Partners with Stanford Medicine for Groundbreaking Study
This collaboration aims to investigate the potential of the Matter Neuroscience protocol combined with real-time neurofeedback to effectively influence emotional brain networks associated with depression.
Exploring Innovative Neurofeedback Techniques
The study, set to involve a controlled, multi-arm approach, will recruit over 210 participants experiencing depression. It seeks to achieve significant reductions in clinical endpoints through real-time 7T fMRI neurofeedback, targeting specific brain regions linked to positive emotions. Researchers will also examine various molecular, emotional, and behavioral biomarkers alongside clinical outcomes.
The Future of Depression Treatments
If the preliminary results are promising, they will pave the way for a larger clinical trial, which could inform the development of innovative non-pharmaceutical interventions for treating depression. Professor Nolan Williams, M.D., an expert in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford, will head the study as Principal Investigator.
Dr. Williams expressed enthusiasm for the research, stating, "This study enables us to explore how focused emotion training, guided by real-time fMRI, might shape mood-related brain circuits. The chance to examine both the neural mechanisms involved in emotion regulation and the practical forerunners for a treatment that could be administered in clinics or at home is particularly exciting."
Matter Neuroscience's Vision
Matter's CEO, Axel Bouchon, shared his excitement about the study. He remarked, "After observing positive effects on the emotional well-being of healthy individuals in our recent studies, this undertaking stands out in my career. Our goal is to harness cutting-edge MRI technology and the power of positive memories as a personalized approach to potentially alleviate, if not completely cure, depressive symptoms."
About Matter Neuroscience
Founded in 2019 by Axel Bouchon and Ben Goldhirsh, Matter Neuroscience is dedicated to leveraging neuroscience to enhance the longevity, health, and happiness of individuals. The company operates both a consumer technology branch and a medical service addressing the needs of healthy individuals and patients.
Leadership Team
Matter is led by CEO Axel Bouchon, who boasts experience from Moderna, Bayer, and ARCH Venture Partners. Ben Goldhirsh, prominent for his roles at GOOD Worldwide and the Goldhirsh Foundation, serves as the company's Chairman and Head of Product.
Advancements in Emotional Neuroscience
Together with academic collaborators in Maastricht and Copenhagen, Matter Neuroscience has conducted several successful studies delineating a framework to map distinct positive emotions within the human brain. This initiative has resulted in the development of a protocol by Professor Rainer Goebel at the Maastricht Brain Imaging Center, which provides training and enhancement of distinct human emotions using real-time fMRI neurofeedback and autobiographical memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the collaboration between Matter Neuroscience and Stanford Medicine?
The collaboration aims to explore the efficacy of the Matter protocol and real-time neurofeedback in influencing emotional brain networks linked to depression.
How many participants will be involved in the study?
The study plans to enroll at least 210 patients suffering from depression.
What technology will be used in the study?
The study will utilize real-time 7T fMRI neurofeedback technology to investigate emotional brain networks.
Who is leading the study at Stanford Medicine?
Professor Nolan Williams, M.D., an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, will serve as the Principal Investigator.
What is the ultimate aim of this research?
If successful, the findings aim to inform the development of non-pharmaceutical therapies for depression, potentially transforming treatment paradigms.
