Spark Biomedical Inc.

Study of Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation as a Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder - Project Summary/abstract Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Is a Major Health Problem in the United States, Often Attributed to Factors Impacting the Mesolimbic and Cortico-striatal Systems in the Brain. Currently, There Is a Pressing Need for the Development of Both Therapeutic Interventions and Effective Biomarkers for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) and Alcohol- Related Psychiatric Symptoms. One Promising Non-pharmacological Approach Is Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tan), a Non- Invasive Neurostimulation Technique That Stimulates Neurotransmitter Systems. Tan Combines Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (TNS). Our Study Has Shown That Tan Is a Safe and Effective Non-invasive Treatment for Reducing Substance Withdrawal Symptoms, Particularly Those From Opioids, Suggesting Its Potential as a Therapeutic Tool for Improving Aws. the Aim Is to Lower a Patient’s Desire for Alcohol Use and Lessen the Chance of Relapse. Furthermore, Another Promising Avenue Is the Integration of Neuroimaging With Clinical Outcomes, Aiming to Establish an Fmri-based Objective Biomarker for Aud. Incorporating Tan Into This Framework Allows Us to Go Beyond Mere Biomarker Development, Offering a Unique and Quantifiable Therapeutic Strategy. the Proposed Research Endeavors to Comprehensively Investigate the Efficacy of Tan as a Treatment for Aws and the Development of Neuroimaging Biomarkers in Patients With Aud. This Research Initiative Aims to Provide a Comprehensive Clinical Package, Offering a Valuable Therapeutic Tool. Ultimately, This Work Not Only Advances the Application of Tan in Clinical Settings But Also Contributes Significantly to the Broader Field of Translational Medical Research.