Developing a new treatment for cocaine use disorder

Development of PPL-138, a Novel Mixed NOP/Mu Partial Agonist for Treatment of CocaineUse Disorder

NIH-funded research Phoenix Pharmalabs, INC. · NIH-10888279

This study is testing a new medication called PPL-138 to see if it can help people who are trying to overcome cocaine addiction by reducing cravings and preventing relapse, and it could offer a new treatment option for those in need.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPhoenix Pharmalabs, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Woodscross, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10888279 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on PPL-138, a novel medication designed to treat cocaine use disorder by targeting specific opioid receptors in the brain. The approach involves testing the drug's effectiveness in reducing cocaine cravings and preventing relapse, using preclinical models such as rats and non-human primates. The study aims to establish the safety and pharmacokinetics of PPL-138, ensuring it has a favorable therapeutic profile with minimal side effects. If successful, this treatment could provide a new option for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cocaine use disorder who are seeking treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients who are not struggling with cocaine use disorder or those who have not responded to other treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a new and effective treatment option for individuals with cocaine use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing medications targeting opioid receptors for addiction treatment, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Woodscross, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.