Non-invasive brain stimulation using two-coil kTMP: simultaneous stimulation at two cortical targets and deep brain stimulation at a single target

/Abstract Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) offers great potential to treat many brain disorders, and there is much room for improving methods and, hence, efficacy. A lack of precise spatiotemporal control over stimulation output combined with insufficient stimulation intensity have limited the ability to effectively manipulate patterns of brain activity to produce relevant physiological and behavioral change. Therapeutic efficacy could be significantly improved by targeting brain network activity via stimulation of multiple cortical sites simultaneously or by targeting single deep brain structures, the latter currently accessible only through high-risk invasive procedures. The goal of this proposal is to build upon our innovative one-coil kilohertz Transcranial Magnetic Perturbation (kTMP) NIBS system by developing a two-coil kTMP system as a response to this urgent clinical need. kTMP unlocks a previously untapped NIBS domain by delivering high-amplitude, narrow- band electric field stimuli in the kilohertz range (1-5 kHz) to precisely targeted brain regions. This advanced system will, for the first time, enable the frequency-specific manipulation of neural activity at two cortical points simultaneously or within a single subcortical area, achieving stimulation intensities unattainable with existing methods without discomfort or health risks. The 6-month funding period will be dedicated to constructing a kTMP amplifier system capable of independently driving two coils, optimizing induced electric fields for safe and accurate dual-cortical and subcortical targeting, and implementing a coil navigation system to ensure precise and reliable coil positioning. If our predictions hold true, a two-coil kTMP system may dramatically enhance the way we can interact with the brain non-invasively, redefining the treatment space of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Project Number: 1R43MH143230-01 | Fiscal Year: 2025 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) | Principal Investigator: Ludovica Labruna | Institution: MAGNETIC TIDES, INC., EL CERRITO, CA | Award Amount: $557,588 | Activity Code: R43 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 NV-C (10)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11180817