Finding new and repurposed medicines for alcohol use disorder using genetics and health records
Leveraging genetic and electronic health record data to identify novel targets and drugs for treating alcohol use disorder
['FUNDING_R01'] · HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED · NIH-11111400
This project uses genetic information and medical records to find existing or new medicines that could help adults with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BETHESDA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11111400 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine large-scale genetic studies of drinking behavior with biological network analyses to find genes and pathways linked to harmful alcohol use. They will search for drug targets within those networks and prioritize medications that might be repurposed. Using large electronic health records—especially from the Veterans Affairs system—they will look for signals that people exposed to certain FDA-approved drugs had better alcohol-related outcomes. Promising candidates would be taken forward for further study and possible clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with a history of problematic alcohol use or a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder whose medical records or genetic data are available to researchers are the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: People under 21, those without a history of harmful drinking, or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct benefit from this research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could point to medications—including ones already approved—that might reduce harmful drinking or improve recovery for people with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Genetics-guided drug target discovery has helped some areas of medicine, but applying these methods to alcohol use disorder is relatively new and has produced limited approved treatments so far.
Where this research is happening
BETHESDA, UNITED STATES
- HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED — BETHESDA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GRAY, JOSHUA CHARLES — HENRY M. JACKSON FDN FOR THE ADV MIL/MED
- Study coordinator: GRAY, JOSHUA CHARLES
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 below.