Boosting a serotonin receptor to reduce cocaine cravings and relapse
5-HT2 Receptor Allosterism in Cocaine Use Disorder
New medicines that boost a specific serotonin receptor are being developed to help people with cocaine use disorder reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332454 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on medicines called positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) that strengthen signaling at the 5-HT2C serotonin receptor, which is linked to craving and relapse in cocaine use disorder. Researchers are optimizing PAMs so they behave like good drugs (stable, safe, and able to reach the brain). Promising molecules that worked in animal tests will be studied further in proof-of-concept in vivo assays and models of cocaine-seeking behavior. The aim is to identify candidates suitable for future testing that could eventually be offered to people with cocaine use problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with cocaine use disorder who struggle with strong cravings or repeated relapse would be the most likely candidates for related clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without cocaine use disorder or whose primary problem is dependence on other substances would likely not benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new medication that lowers cravings and reduces the risk of relapse for people with cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Related 5-HT2C–targeting drugs have shown promising effects in animal studies, but these PAMs are relatively new and have not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Jia — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Jia
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 below.