Individualized Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

Launched by PULVINAR NEURO, LLC · Mar 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new device called closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to see if it can help people with major depressive disorder (MDD). The goal is to learn more about how this non-invasive brain stimulation might improve symptoms of depression. Researchers are currently recruiting participants who are between 18 and 70 years old, and who have been diagnosed with non-psychotic MDD and have a certain level of depression severity.

To join the study, participants need to be willing to commit to the trial procedures and have a low risk of suicide. They should not have a history of certain mental health disorders, substance use issues, or other health conditions that could complicate their participation. Those who take part can expect to engage with the study procedures and help researchers gather important information about this potential new treatment for depression.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Any gender, aged 18 - 70
• • Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
• • Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
• • DSM-5 diagnosis of unipolar, non-psychotic MDD as evidenced by the DIAMOND
• • HDRS-17 score ≥14
• • Low suicide risk (defined for this study as no active suicidal ideation in the past month and no suicide attempts, preparatory actions, or significant non-suicidal self-harm in the previous 2 years). Risk will be assessed utilizing the C-SSRS screen and triage version with further exploration of positive responses.
• • Capacity to understand all relevant risks and potential benefits of the study (informed consent)
• • For people of childbearing potential: use of highly effective contraception as determined by the Investigator for at least 1 month prior to screening and agreement to use such a method during study participation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • DSM-5 diagnosis of severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) within the last 12 months, as evidenced by the DIAMOND
• • DSM-5 diagnosis of moderate to severe substance use disorder (excluding tobacco) within the last 12 months, as evidenced by the DIAMOND
• • Lifetime history of bipolar disorder, as evidenced by DIAMOND
• • Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, as evidenced by DIAMOND
• • History of autism spectrum disorder
• • Initiated any new psychotropic medication in the 6 weeks prior to screening or had a dose change in the preceding 6 weeks
• • Initiated a new course of psychotherapy in the 6 weeks preceding screening
• • Received any neurostimulation treatment in the 6 weeks preceding screening
• • History of seizures (excluding febrile seizures in childhood or Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) induced seizures)
• • Neurological disorders that would increase risk of participation or present a significant confounder in the opinion of the investigator (for example, dementia, history of stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, history of traumatic brain injury with prolonged loss of consciousness, ruptured cerebral aneurysm, previous CNS radiation)
• • Previously failed to respond to ECT or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• • Prior brain surgery and/or brain implants
• • Implanted medical device that uses electricity
• • Current pregnancy or lactation
• • Currently enrolled in another clinical trial for depression
• • For the optional MRI session only: Contraindication to MRI according to MRI Screening Form
• • Unstable medical disorder or anything that would place the participant at increased risk or preclude the participant's full compliance with or completion of the study, in the opinion of the Investigator