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Johnson City Today
By the People, for the People
ETSU Researcher Develops EEG-Based Biomarkers for Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Dr. Siva Digavalli's work on gamma oscillations aims to improve drug discovery success rates in the central nervous system
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Dr. Siva Digavalli, a researcher at East Tennessee State University's Gatton College of Pharmacy, is pioneering the use of electroencephalography (EEG)-based neural synchrony to provide a more objective and precise view of how drugs interact with brain circuitry. By studying gamma oscillations, a key marker of attention, sensory processing, and cognitive function, Digavalli's lab is creating biomarkers that can sustain confidence and investment in high-risk neuropsychiatric drug development.
Why it matters
Digavalli's work addresses a major challenge in the pharmaceutical industry, where central nervous system (CNS) drug success rates have historically hovered around just 5%. By providing concrete evidence of target engagement and circuit-level changes, his EEG-based approach offers a clearer path for linking genetic risk factors to clinical outcomes in disorders like schizophrenia.
The details
Digavalli's lab is focused on studying gamma oscillations, synchronized high-frequency brain waves that play a critical role in attention, sensory processing, and cognitive function. By tracking these oscillations, researchers can directly confirm that a drug is not only reaching the intended brain region but also modulating key physiological activity. This type of evidence is foundational for sustaining confidence and momentum in neuropsychiatric drug development.
- Digavalli has over 18 years of experience as a Principal Scientist in leading biopharmaceutical companies.
- He completed his PhD from LSU Health Sciences Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School.
The players
Dr. Siva Digavalli
A researcher at East Tennessee State University's Gatton College of Pharmacy who is pioneering the use of EEG-based neural synchrony to improve drug discovery for neuropsychiatric disorders.
East Tennessee State University
The university where Dr. Digavalli conducts his research in the Gatton College of Pharmacy.
What they’re saying
“You get assigned to a project, you're working on it, and suddenly business decisions change, owing to the perceived risk.”
— Dr. Siva Digavalli, Researcher (easttennessean.com)
“I think generally speaking, R&D is a little more stable in academia.”
— Dr. Siva Digavalli, Researcher (easttennessean.com)
What’s next
Digavalli is currently seeking a motivated PhD student to join his team and work at the cutting edge of neuropsychiatric research.
The takeaway
By prioritizing the brain's internal electrical dynamics, Dr. Digavalli and his team are redefining how therapeutic success is measured and validated, holding the promise of transforming historically low CNS drug success rates into a more reliable pathway toward meaningful breakthroughs in neuropsychiatric medicine.
