Firefly Neuroscience highlighted two studies demonstrating the potential of its FDA-cleared Brain Network Analytics (BNA™) platform in drug development and neuropsychiatric care. The studies utilized advanced resting EEG and cognitive EEG (ERP) data analytics to objectively measure treatment efficacy and cognitive change. The research focused on the impact of Novartis’ MIJ821 and vortioxetine on brain activity and cognitive function in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).
These findings are crucial for advancing brain health research and treatment. The ability to objectively measure drug efficacy and cognitive changes using EEG offers a significant advantage over traditional subjective assessments. This can lead to more efficient drug development, personalized treatment strategies, and improved patient outcomes in neuropharmacology and psychiatry. Specifically, the ability to track cognitive changes independent of mood changes offers a new dimension in understanding and treating MDD, a complex disorder where cognitive deficits often persist even after mood improvement.
The first study, conducted by Novartis, used EEG to assess the impact of MIJ821, revealing dose-dependent changes in brain activity consistent with ketamine’s antidepressant effects. This supports EEG’s role as a pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic biomarker tool. The second study demonstrated the utility of Firefly’s BNA™ system in measuring cognitive changes in MDD patients treated with vortioxetine. Baseline brain activation latencies, which were prolonged in MDD patients, normalized post-treatment, indicating improved cognitive function.
These studies underscore the potential of Firefly’s BNA™ platform to transform how neurological and mental disorders are diagnosed and treated. The technology’s ability to provide objective, quantifiable data on brain activity and cognitive function can accelerate drug development, enable personalized treatment approaches, and ultimately improve patient care by providing clinicians with more precise tools for assessment and treatment optimization. The ability to scale EEG analysis through automation makes it a viable tool for broader clinical application, potentially revolutionizing the field of mental healthcare.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
