Developing a new drug to help treat alcohol use disorder.
Official title: Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling and Early-Stage Development of Selective, Reversible, Orally Bioavailable ALDH2 inhibitor ANS-00858 to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder.
Funded at Amygdala Neurosciences, INC. · NIH-10896461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new pill called ANS-00858 to see if it can help people with alcohol use disorder drink less by targeting a specific enzyme, and it's designed to be a safer and easier option than current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Amygdala Neurosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U43AA030689-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or are under the age of 21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the development of a new medication, ANS-00858, aimed at treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) by selectively inhibiting the ALDH2 enzyme. The approach involves preclinical and clinical testing to evaluate the drug's effectiveness and safety in reducing alcohol consumption. Patients will be monitored for their response to the medication, which is designed to be taken orally and is reversible, potentially offering a more tolerable treatment option compared to existing medications. The study aims to improve access to care and treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals with alcohol use disorder, improving their chances of recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting ALDH2 inhibition for treating alcohol use disorder, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Amygdala Neurosciences, INC.
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blackburn, Brent Keith — Amygdala Neurosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Blackburn, Brent Keith
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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.