Creating a new medication to help people with alcohol use disorder
Official title: Development of a Novel Medication for Alcohol Use Disorder with an Active IND Dual Inhibitor of T-Type Calcium Channel and Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase
Funded at Afasci, INC. · NIH-10933482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new medication called AFA-281 to see if it can help people with alcohol use disorder, especially those who also deal with pain, anxiety, or depression, and if it works well, it could offer a new way to support their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Afasci, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Redwood City, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $498,851 |
| NIH project number | 5U43AA031391-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, particularly those who may also experience chronic pain or co-occurring mental health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not seeking treatment for alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel medication, AFA-281, aimed at treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is a common condition often linked with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. The researchers will conduct proof-of-concept studies using established rodent models to evaluate the effectiveness of AFA-281, a dual inhibitor targeting specific calcium channels and enzymes. The approach includes rigorous testing to ensure the medication is safe and effective, utilizing advanced drug design techniques and pharmacokinetic studies to assess how the drug behaves in the body. If successful, this medication could provide a new treatment option for individuals struggling with AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective medication for alcohol use disorder with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing medications targeting similar pathways for treating substance use disorders, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Afasci, INC.
Redwood City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Xinmin Simon — Afasci, INC.
- Study coordinator: Xie, Xinmin Simon
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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.