Sooma (neuromodulation device for the treatment of depression)

2023: Device Announcement

On March 6, 2023, Sooma Medical introduced a neuromodulation device to treat depression with a weak current. The novelty was called Sooma.

The portable device is controlled by the patient for neuromodulation using a weak electric current. The device stimulates target areas of the brain, resulting in a significant improvement in depressive symptoms. As the manufacturer notes, most patients feel relieved around the third week of treatment. Post-marketing data showed that more than half of patients taking Sooma achieved a complete clinical response. This means an improvement of depression symptoms of 50% or more.

Sooma (neuromodulation device for the treatment of depression)

Therapy with the Sooma device involves daily sessions lasting 30 minutes for at least three weeks. Sooma Medical reported that the Sooma device can also be used as a self-treatment or as an adjunctive therapy to pharmaceuticals. Painless therapy does not require medication, but requires a doctor's prescription. Sooma Medical said it plans to work closely with the FDA to bring the drug to the U.S. market.

According to Sooma Medical CEO Tuomas Neuvonen, neuromodulation is a state-of-the-art technique that allows pain impulses to be altered by exposure to their conductive pathways in the spinal cord. The peculiarities of radiofrequency neuromodulation are the patient's complete control over the action of the apparatus and high effectiveness in pain syndromes, parkinsonism or epilepsy. Neuvonen added that despite the fact that the procedure with Sooma is able to relieve the patient of painful symptoms for an unlimited period of time.

According to WHO, by the beginning of 2023, 3.8% of the US population suffers from depression, including 5% of adults and 5.7% of people over 60 years old. Around the world, about 280 million people suffer from depression.^[1]

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