Boosting a serotonin receptor to reduce cocaine cravings and relapse
Official title: 5-HT2 Receptor Allosterism in Cocaine Use Disorder
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11332454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 1, 2015 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $538,887 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA038446-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with cocaine use disorder who struggle with strong cravings or repeated relapse would be the most likely candidates for related clinical testing.
✕Less likely to help
People without cocaine use disorder or whose primary problem is dependence on other substances would likely not benefit from this specific approach.
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.
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 gone: 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
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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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
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Understanding how early life stress and cocaine exposure shape brain and behavior in adults
This project follows a long-running study in monkeys to see how early maltreatment and adolescent cocaine use influence brain circuits and risk of addiction in adulthood.
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Psilocybin-Assisted ACT for Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
A new treatment combines psilocybin with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people who have both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder.
-
Cholinergic Dysregulation and Cognitive Flexibility in Cocaine Use Disorder
A research study explores how cocaine changes brain signaling to affect flexible thinking and decision-making in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Oligonucleotide therapy to help cocaine use disorder reach the brain
A new ASO-based approach aims to deliver gene-targeting therapy across the blood–brain barrier to help people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Accelerated TMS for Cocaine Use Disorder
A new, faster brain-stimulation treatment is being tested to help adults with cocaine use disorder reduce cravings and use.
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.