NCT07728994 · University of Pennsylvania
SONATA LIFU for OCD
What this study is about
The study tests ATTN201, an experimental non-invasive headband that delivers low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
View original scientific description
The study tests ATTN201, an investigational non-invasive headband that delivers low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It's a randomized, double-blind, 1:1 (active: sham) study with 40 total participants spanning 12-16 weeks and 14 in-person and remote visits.
Interventions
DEVICE
Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound
ATTN201 is an investigational, non-invasive, wearable headband containing two ultrasound transducers positioned over the temporal region of the skull. Guided by a pre-treatment MRI, the device delivers focused low-intensity ultrasound (LIFU) to the subthalamic nucleus (STN).
DEVICE
Sham (No Treatment)
Participants are fitted with the same ATTN201 headband used in the active arm, and the device is operated using the same procedures and audible output as active stimulation. However, the ultrasound is unfocused and does not deliver a therapeutic effect to the brain. This sham condition is designed to be indistinguishable from active stimulation to preserve blinding of participants and study staff.
Primary outcome measures
Change in OCD symptom severity
Time frame: up to 3 months
Measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)
Incidence and severity of adverse events
Time frame: up to 3 months
Device-related and procedure-related side effects
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Have a principal diagnosis of OCD according to the DSM-5 with duration of \> 1 year
- Have a Y-BOCS of \> 16
- Participants currently on OCD medication must be at the same stable dose(s) for at least 3 weeks prior to screening and throughout the course of the study, and must continue to be under the care of their treating psychiatrist through the duration of the study.
- Be between 22 to 80 years of age (inclusive) on the day of signing informed consent.
- Be able and willing to undergo a cranial MRI
- Be able and willing to wear an Attune device throughout the experimental sessions.
- Sign the informed consent form, in accordance with local requirements, after the scope and nature of the investigation have been explained to the subject, and before screening assessments.
- Be able to speak, read, and understand the language of the trial staff and the informed consent form.
- Possess the ability to respond verbally to questions, follow instructions, and complete study assessments.
- Be able to adhere to the stimulation protocol and visit schedules.
- Be determined by the investigator to be medically stable at baseline/randomization as assessed by medical history and non-significant clinical results of a vital signs examination.
- Male participants must ensure a condom is used for all sexual intercourse and follow acceptable methods of contraception for their female partner for the entire duration of the study. Male participants should not father a child or donate sperm for this same period.
- Female participants who are sexually active agree to use two methods of contraception for the duration of the study or not be of childbearing potential as indicated by one of the following:
- Has reached natural menopause, defined as 45 years of age with ≥6 months of spontaneous amenorrhea
- Has had a hysterectomy;
- Has had bilateral tubal ligation; or
- Has had a bilateral oophorectomy (with or without a hysterectomy) and greater than 6 weeks have passed since the surgery
Exclusion criteria
- Has a current or prior history of bipolar I or II disorder, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, borderline personality disorder, Tourette's disorder
- Has acute suicidality or suicide attempt or self-injurious behavior in the last 6 months
- Has a history of deep brain stimulation or ablative surgery
- Has a history of substance abuse including alcohol use disorder in the past 6 months (except for caffeine and nicotine)
- Has a history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, seizures,or other neurological disorders.
- Has any contraindications for completing a brain MRI scan. a. The subject's head must fit within the head coil (32 or 64 channel), while wearing the MR-compatible device.
- Has had a ketamine or TMS treatment within the last month prior to recruitment.
- Has had any medical or psychiatric symptoms or conditions that could interfere with study activities or confound interpretation of study results.
- Has a recent or ongoing, uncontrolled, clinically significant medical condition where participation in the trial would pose a significant medical risk to the subject or would confound study results within 3 months of Screening, such as:
- Conditions including but not limited to diabetes, hypertension, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or other relevant infections, thyroid or endocrine disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), delirium, congestive heart failure, angina, cardiac or gastrointestinal disease, or renal disease requiring dialysis, or unstable malignancies.
- Major surgery including not limited to abdominal, thoracic, cardiac, or orthopedic surgery, or any procedure requiring general anesthesia.
- Subjects with recently controlled or treated medical conditions may be considered for re-screening on a case-by-case basis after consultation with the Sponsor.
- Has a history of hepatitis or liver disease that, in the opinion of the investigator, has been active within the 6 months prior to Visit 1.
- Is pregnant, is attempting to become pregnant, or is nursing children.
- Is or has an immediate family member (e.g., spouse, parent/legal guardian, sibling, or child) who is an investigational site or sponsor staff directly involved with this trial.
- Has a Body Mass Index (BMI) \>34 kg/m2. BMI is calculated by taking the subject's weight in kg and dividing by the subject's height in meters, squared
Where
- San Francisco, California
Collaborators
Attune Neurosciences Inc
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations