Research Programs | WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

CLINICAL TRIALS & RESEARCH

Conducting first-in-the-world, state-of-the art clinical research in a range of neurological conditions.

Our goal is to safely, but rapidly, change the clinical landscape by implementing innovative clinical diagnostics and providing treatments to those impacted by neurological disease. We are fortunate to have federal and industry partners who share our mission and vision and support this transformative work.

We work closely with our university colleagues, such as the West Virginia Center for Clinical & Translational Science (WV CTSI), to maximize our efficiency and outcomes.

Addiction

Addiction happens when drugs “hijack” the brains reward center, making drugs and drug-seeking the primary focus. In particular, opioid use disorder is a problem in West Virginia and across the US. In order to reduce this misappropriation of the reward functioning of the brain, the RNI is investigating three ways of modulating the activity of that function.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of addiction

In collaboration with Magstim, we are using transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve the outcomes of those who have failed standard treatment for addiction.

Focused ultrasound for the treatment of addiction

Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound (LiFU) is being tested in collaboration with Insightec as a method to change the functioning of the reward centers of the brain in patients with opioid use disorder.

Deep brain stimulation for Opioid Use Disorder

Funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) and in collaboration with company partner Medtronic, we are testing the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for individuals who have treatment-refractory opioid use disorder and have a high risk of death from overdose or other related causes. These patients have multiple attempts at treatment programs without long-term success in staying sober.

If you are interested in learning more about the RNI’s addiction research studies, please call 304-293-3460 or email rniresearch@hsc.wvu.edu

Alzheimer’s Disease

By 2025, it is likely that 50,000 West Virginians will have Alzheimer’s Disease. It is imperative that we develop disease-modifying treatments that preserve and restore cognitive function and independence.

Focused ultrasound for blood brain barrier opening in Alzheimer’s disease

In collaboration with INSIGHTEC, we have successfully opened the blood brain barrier in the hippocampus of patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. The interdisciplinary research team at the RNI was the first in the world to use focused ultrasound to treat a patient with Alzheimer’s disease.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation and virtual reality in Alzheimer’s disease

With support and funding from the National Institute of Aging and the WV CTSI, in collaboration with company partners MindMaze and Magstim, we are evaluating the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in combination with virtual reality to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

If you are interested in learning more about the RNI’s Alzheimer Disease studies, please call 304-293-5150 or email rniresearch@hsc.wvu.edu.