TRI Begins AI Trial for Depression Screening with Veterans

TrivarX (ASX: TRI) has received approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to initiate a clinical trial focused on screening for current major depressive episodes (cMDE) using artificial intelligence technology. The trial will enroll 60 participants and is set to begin in the coming weeks, with completion expected within 12 weeks.

This clinical study will be conducted in collaboration with the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation (GLAVREF) and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It marks a significant step as the VA’s Veterans Health Administration serves approximately 9.1 million veterans annually, providing a vast potential for the validation of TRI’s technology in a major healthcare system.

The trial aims to objectively identify mental health conditions through wearable technology. TRI’s approach leverages AI to analyze data from devices that veterans may already use, potentially leading to more accurate and timely screenings for depression. By integrating this technology, TRI seeks to address gaps in mental health services and improve access to care for veterans.

The study will take place across multiple VA sites, and TRI is in the process of finalizing the necessary agreements with the VA to ensure compliance with study parameters set by the IRB. The anticipated results, expected within the 12-week timeframe, will help gauge the effectiveness of the AI-driven approach in detecting depression among veterans.

TRI’s previous announcements have highlighted advancements in using wearable technology for mental health screening, including a recent announcement about smartwatch capabilities. This trial represents a first for TRI in utilizing wearables specifically for mental health assessments, aiming to contribute to a growing field of digital health interventions.

As TRI moves forward with this trial, the potential for commercial opportunities increases, particularly if results validate the effectiveness of their AI technology in a real-world setting. Successful implementation could lead to wider adoption of AI-driven mental health screening tools, benefitting not only veterans but potentially expanding to other populations in need of mental health support.