Biomarkers to detect recent heavy drinking in veterans
Official title: Mechanism-based serum biomarkers and validation of ensemble model for excessive alcohol use
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-11685217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-scientist team is testing blood biomarkers to better identify recent excessive alcohol use in veterans so clinicians can screen, counsel, and care for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rlr VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2011 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX000361-14 |
| Project ID | NIH-11685217 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans who are at risk of or currently experiencing excessive alcohol use and related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without recent heavy drinking or with other conditions not related to alcohol use may not benefit from these biomarker tests.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve tests that can reveal recent heavy drinking by looking at sets of proteins and genes involved in inflammation and other pathways. Researchers will build and validate an ensemble model to interpret biomarker data and indicate recent alcohol consumption and abstinence. The work focuses on veterans, with the goal of helping healthcare providers identify those who need intervention and monitoring during treatment or recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to more accurate tests that guide timely counseling and medical care for veterans dealing with excessive alcohol use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests biomarker panels can reflect alcohol use, but validation in veterans and with an ensemble model is still being established.
Where this research is happening
-
Rlr VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liangpunsakul, Suthat — Rlr VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Liangpunsakul, Suthat
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.