The SPARC-TMS Clinical Trial
An $11M DARPA Prime Contract study combining fMRI-guided robotic TMS with FDA-investigational neuroplastic medication for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD in active duty military and veterans.
The SPARC-TMS Trial
The SPARC-TMS trial is a DARPA-funded study evaluating a novel combination of MRI-guided, robotically controlled Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) with NRX-101, an FDA-investigational neuroplastic medication, for the treatment of severe, treatment-resistant depression and PTSD in active duty military personnel and veterans.
NRx Defense Systems has been selected as Prime Contractor by DARPA under the Surmounting Obstacles in PTSD (SPARC) program. The $11M contract supports a multi-site clinical trial with enrollment beginning October 2026.
The trial is conducted in partnership with McLean Hospital (Harvard Medical School), HOPE Therapeutics, and Zeta Surgical, combining world-class neuroscience with precision robotic delivery systems.
The SPARC-TMS trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, the official U.S. registry of clinical studies maintained by the National Library of Medicine. The registry record contains the authoritative protocol, eligibility criteria, study center locations, and current recruitment status.
View on ClinicalTrials.govSelected as Prime Contractor (currently in contracting) by
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
Surmounting Obstacles in PTSD (SPARC) Program
How the Trial Works
The SPARC-TMS protocol integrates fMRI neuronavigation, robotic TMS delivery, and neuroplastic medication into a structured six-phase treatment pathway designed for rapid return to duty.
fMRI Baseline Mapping
High-resolution functional MRI establishes individualized neural connectivity maps, identifying precise stimulation targets unique to each patient.
Robotic TMS Targeting
Zeta Surgical neuronavigation guides sub-millimeter robotic positioning of the TMS coil to the fMRI-identified target with reproducible precision.
TMS Treatment Sessions
Accelerated TMS protocols deliver focused magnetic pulses to modulate dysfunctional neural circuits associated with depression and PTSD.
NRX-101 Administration
FDA-investigational NRX-101 neuroplastic medication is co-administered to enhance synaptic plasticity and consolidate TMS-induced neural changes.
Outcome Assessment
Validated clinical scales (MADRS, PCL-5) and fMRI re-imaging quantify treatment response and neural circuit normalization.
Return to Duty Evaluation
Military fitness-for-duty assessments determine readiness for return to active service, with follow-up monitoring at 30, 90, and 180 days.
Who May Qualify
Eligibility is determined by a licensed clinician. The criteria below are general guidelines only. Contact the NRx clinical team to discuss your specific situation.
- Active duty military, veteran, law enforcement officer, or first responder
- Diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) or PTSD
- Inadequate response to at least two prior antidepressant treatments
- Ages 18–65
- Medically stable and able to provide informed consent
- Metallic implants in or near the head (cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, etc.)
- History of seizure disorder or epilepsy
- Active psychosis or bipolar I disorder with recent manic episode
- Current pregnancy
- Severe traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness > 30 minutes
Express Interest in the Trial
Enrollment opens October 2026. Submit an inquiry now to be contacted by the NRx clinical team to discuss eligibility, study sites, and next steps.
Submitting this form does not enroll you in the trial. All participants must complete a formal screening process with a licensed clinician. This form is for informational inquiries only.