For individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) that does not respond to pharmacotherapy, recent decisions by the U.S. FDA enabling at-home use of neuromodulation devices may provide a bright spot in dark days. Neurolief Ltd. received FDA premarket approval for Proliv Rx, a physician-directed, brain neuromodulation therapy indicated for use as an at-home adjunctive treatment for adults with MDD who failed to respond adequately to at least one previous antidepressant on Jan. 7. That decision follows the December 510(k) clearance for at-home use of the Flow brain-stimulation device by Flow Neuroscience AB as either a monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment.

Flow Neuroscience AB received U.S. FDA 510(k) approval for its Flow at-home brain-stimulation device to treat major depressive disorder. The wearable headset uses mild electrical current to stimulate specific areas of the brain to reduce depressive symptoms in as little as three weeks.

Sooma Oy secured U.S. FDA investigational device exemption approval to initiate a pivotal study of its transcranial direct current stimulation medical device in people with major depressive disorder. The study will examine the efficacy of the non-invasive Sooma 2Gen device in improving MDD as an at-home treatment.