# Non-invasive targeted neuromodulation via focused ultrasound BBB permeabilization

> **NIH NIH R01** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2020 · $596,122

## Abstract

Project Summary
The goal of the proposed project is to test in macaques a technique for non-invasive, safe, reversible,
modulation of neuronal activity in small targeted regions of the primate brain. We have developed and tested
in macaques a technique for transiently opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in targeted brain regions
without causing any damage, using a clinically available focused ultrasound device in conjunction with
circulating microbubbles. We now propose to combine this transient BBB opening with the systemic
administration of neuroactive substances that normally do not cross the BBB to test whether these substances
will have neuroactive effects only in the region with permeabilized BBB. We have tested the BBB
permeabilization technique extensively in macaques, and we have tested the technique of combining BBB
permeabilization and neuromodulation in rats. The goal of this project is to extend the neuromodulation
technique to macaques, to optimize parameters in macaques for clinical applicability, to test this technique in a
disease model, and to test in rats both excitatory and suppressive neuromodulation. This technique will be
important for basic research, and, more importantly, directly translatable to human patients for neuro-ablation
planning.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9929652
- **Project number:** 5R01MH116858-03
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** MARGARET S LIVINGSTONE
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $596,122
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-23 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9929652

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9929652, Non-invasive targeted neuromodulation via focused ultrasound BBB permeabilization (5R01MH116858-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9929652. Licensed CC0.

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