A University of Arizona study has demonstrated significant depression symptom reduction using Openwater’s Open-LIFU 2.0 device.
The findings of the study have been published in the Frontiers in Psychiatry journal.
The device, which employs low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound pulses, was tested on 20 participants over a series of 11 ten-minute sessions, amounting to less than two hours of total treatment time.
Results indicated that between 45-60% of participants experienced substantial reductions in depression severity, with 35% achieving clinical remission.
University of Arizona cognitive science, and neuroscience psychology professor John Allen said: “These results provide a meaningful step forward in neuromodulation techniques for treating depression.
“We saw substantial improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life in a shorter treatment protocol than standard treatments, suggesting the potential for transcranial ultrasound technology to offer rapid, lasting relief for individuals whose depression has resisted traditional therapies.
“An important unanswered question is whether a longer LIFU treatment protocol could assist those who did not completely respond during this rapid 3-week protocol.”
The Open-LIFU 2.0 device targets the anterior medial prefrontal cortex, a brain region connected to persistent negative thought patterns associated with depression.
Unlike traditional ultrasound systems that require fixed head placement, this device utilises an advanced ultrasound array to direct the ultrasound focus precisely. Its wearable design even allows for movement during treatment.
Current depression treatments such as medication and psychotherapy often require extended periods and still leave a significant portion of patients with unsatisfactory improvements.
In contrast, participants in the Open-LIFU 2.0 trial reported notable decreases in repetitive negative thoughts and enhanced overall well-being, with a participant dropout rate of only 10%. Importantly, the treatment was well-tolerated without significant adverse effects.
Looking forward, larger randomised controlled studies are planned to further investigate the effectiveness of transcranial focused ultrasound as a treatment for depression.
Openwater CEO Aaron Timm “With over 280 million people affected by depression globally, there is an urgent need for treatments that are effective, portable, and affordable.
“Openwater’s technology offers the potential for precise, targeted ultrasound treatment designed specifically for accessibility. We are encouraged by the results of the University of Arizona study using Openwater’s technology.”
