Patients with major depressive disorder who have not seen desirable results from medication have now started clinical trials analyzing the effectiveness of a new brain stimulation technology.
Burlingame, Calif.-based Magnus Medical developed the FDA-approved Magnus Neuromodulation System with SAINT Technology. The first patients received treatment in an open-label optimization trial after 79 percent of participants experienced symptom relief from SAINT treatment in an initial, randomized controlled trial, according to a July 20 release Magnus Medical shared with Becker's.
The technology works by identifying the patient's brain signal and working to stop the "bad signal" causing symptoms, a Magnus Medical spokesperson told Becker's. The system does this by using two types of brain imaging — structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging — that allows a computer algorithm to find the area of the brain the treatment should target. Analyzing each patient's unique brain chemistry has resulted in symptom improvements within five days, opposed to traditional treatments that take weeks or months.
Up to 1,000 patients who are dissatisfied with their antidepressant medication will receive 10 treatment sessions a day for five consecutive days across nine clinics. The trial results are expected to be available by 2027.