Brain-penetrant NAC prodrug for cocaine use disorder
Official title: Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of SXC-2023 in a Phase 2A Clinical Trial for Cocaine Use Disorder
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-11324833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new brain-penetrant prodrug of N-acetylcysteine (SXC-2023) is being tested in adults with cocaine use disorder to see if it can safely help reduce use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $4,240,112 |
| NIH project number | 1U01DA065419-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21+ with Cocaine Use Disorder who are able to participate in a 12-week clinical trial and use the digital health platform.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who cannot tolerate the study medication or participate in the digital data collection may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to advance a brain-penetrant NAC prodrug to improve treatment for cocaine use disorder. It includes finalizing GMP manufacturing and building a digital health platform to capture data on how people with CUD respond in real-world settings. The study plans a 12-week, randomized, double-blind trial to evaluate efficacy and safety of SXC-2023 in diverse cocaine-using populations. Participants will be adults with Cocaine Use Disorder who consent to follow-up and digital monitoring. The research will combine pharmacology, clinical outcomes, and real-time data from a digital health tool to understand who benefits most.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SXC-2023 could become a new treatment option that helps reduce cocaine use and improve brain health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous NAC-related trials show mixed results due to limited brain penetration; this study uses a brain-penetrant prodrug to overcome that limitation, which is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, David a — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Baker, David a
Related research
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A new ASO-based approach aims to deliver gene-targeting therapy across the blood–brain barrier to help people with cocaine use disorder.
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Accelerated TMS for Cocaine Use Disorder
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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.