The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is set to commence clinical trials of an innovative brain implant known as Forest 1. This device is specifically designed to treat severe depression that is resistant to traditional treatments, such as medication and therapy.
Developed by the non-profit organisation Forest Neurotech, Forest 1 employs a brain-computer interface (BCI) to emit ultrasonic pulses. These signals modulate brain activity, potentially enhancing patients’ emotional well-being. The initiative has received £6.5 million in funding from ARIA to support the clinical trials.
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Unlike conventional implants, Forest 1 is positioned beneath the skull, eliminating the need for direct insertion into brain tissue. This unique design reduces surgical risks and improves patient adherence to treatment. In addition to addressing depression, the device also holds promise for treating conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and epilepsy, broadening its medical applications.
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Clinical trials are set to begin in March this year and are expected to last three and a half years. The results could transform the treatment of mental health conditions, offering an effective alternative for patients who do not respond to standard therapies.
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