NCT07710989Not yet recruiting
LIFU Effects & Outcomes: Mechanisms Evaluating Striatal Systems Imaging (LEO MESSI)
Mechanisms of Low-intensity Focused Ultrasound Targeting Striatal Circuits Underlying Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 5 Aug 2026
Brief summary (registry, in English)
Individuals with schizophrenia often experience persistent auditory hallucinations despite treatment with antipsychotic medications. Research suggests that abnormal communication between the striatum and the auditory cortex contributes to hallucinations. This first-in-human, proof-of-concept Phase 1 study will evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary effects of repeated-session low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique targeting the striatum. The study will examine whether LIFU can safely modulate brain circuits involved in hallucinations, reduce abnormal communication between the striatum and auditory cortex, and improve auditory hallucination symptoms.
- Status (registry)
- Not yet recruiting
- Study type
- Interventional
- Enrollment
- 12 (estimated)
- First submitted
- 6 Jul 2026
- Start date
- 1 Feb 2027
- Primary completion date
- 1 Dec 2027
- Lead sponsor
- University of California, San Francisco
- Diseases
- Schizophrenia
- NCT number
- NCT07710989
What you commit to
- Study type: Interventional
- Planned participants: 12
- From 1 Feb 2027 to the primary completion date, 1 Dec 2027
- 1 site in 1 country
- Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them
Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Other illness
- Clinically significant neurological disorder or MRI incompatibility
Who the study is looking for
- 18-64 years of age, inclusive of all gender identities
- Current DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia
- Persistent clinically-significant auditory hallucinations
- No contraindications for MRI, confirmed via standard safety screening procedures
- No neurological disorder
- Clinically stable (outpatient past 12 weeks; same dose medications in 4 weeks)
- Females will be tested for pregnancy and pregnant women will be excluded.
Age in the registry: 18 years to 64 years · Sex: All · Does not accept healthy volunteers
Sites (1)
Sites in registry order. Pick your city on the disease page to sort them by distance.
| Site | City | Country | Site status |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California San Francisco Coordinator of this site? Confirm its status | San Francisco | United States | Unknown status |
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.