University of Utah engineers have developed Diadem, which noninvasively stimulates deep brain regions, potentially disrupting the faulty signals that lead to chronic pain.

The researchers have published promising findings about an experimental therapy that has given many participants relief after a single treatment session. They are now recruiting participants for a final round of trials.

Diadem is a new biomedical device that uses ultrasound to noninvasively stimulate deep brain regions, potentially disrupting the faulty signals that lead to chronic pain.

Neuromodulation-based therapy

Diadem’s approach is based on neuromodulation, a therapeutic technique that seeks to directly regulate the activity of certain brain circuits. Other neuromodulation approaches are based on electric currents and magnetic fields, but those methods cannot selectively reach the brain structure investigated in the researchers’ recent trial —the anterior cingulate cortex, the researchers say.

The team is now preparing for a Phase 3 clinical trial, the final step before approval from the FDA to use Diadem as a treatment for the general public. They also plan to help deal with the opioid crisis.

Funding came from the National Institutes of Health and the University of Utah.

Citation: Riis, Thomas et al. Noninvasive targeted modulation of pain circuits with focused ultrasonic waves. Pain. 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003322 (open-access)

Thumbnail Image credit: A. Angelica, ChatGPT

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