Developing new medications to treat alcohol use disorder
Official title: Medication Development for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at Texas Tech University Health Scis Center · NIH-11230815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new medication called BEM to see how it works in the body and if it’s safe to use with other drugs, all to help people who are dealing with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Scis Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $354,877 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AA028957-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11230815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not currently seeking treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new medications for alcohol use disorder (AUD), which affects millions of people. The team will conduct a series of studies to understand how a new drug, 10-butyl ether minocycline (BEM), is processed in the body and whether it interacts with other medications. The research includes both laboratory studies and early clinical trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of BEM. By addressing the limitations of existing treatments, this project aims to improve outcomes for individuals struggling with AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing new pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorder, but this specific approach with BEM is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bergeson, Susan E. — Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
- Study coordinator: Bergeson, Susan E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Functional Connectivity-Guided TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder
A new approach uses targeted brain stimulation to help people with alcohol use disorder stay abstinent longer by focusing treatment on specific brain circuits.
-
Alcohol Use Disorder and Suicidal Behavior: Finding Why They Occur Together
A study using Swedish population data to understand why alcohol use disorder relates to suicidal thoughts and acts, with the goal of improving risk prediction and prevention.
-
Non-hallucinogenic psilocybin derivative for alcohol use disorder
A new, safer psilocybin-like compound is being studied to help people with alcohol use disorder.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Mu and Kappa Opioid Balance in Alcohol Use Disorder
A study using brain imaging to understand how the brain’s opioid system changes during early sobriety in adults with alcohol use disorder.
-
Telehealth support to prevent suicide in people with alcohol use disorder in Tanzania
A telehealth counseling program is being adapted to help reduce suicide risk for people with alcohol use disorder in emergency departments in Tanzania.
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.