GPR3-targeted medicines to help people stop smoking
Discovery and development of GPR3 agonists for nicotine cessation
['FUNDING_R01'] · RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE · NIH-11160545
Trying new medicines that activate a brain receptor called GPR3 to help people who use nicotine quit.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11160545 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using computer screens to search millions of compounds for chemicals that turn on the GPR3 receptor, which is linked to how nicotine feels in the brain. Promising hits will be tested in lab assays and improved through chemistry to make them stronger, more selective, and drug-like. The best compounds will be tested in animal models to see if they reduce nicotine reward or increase aversion and to measure basic drug properties like absorption and clearance. If these steps work, the compounds could move toward human testing for smoking cessation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who use nicotine (for example, cigarette smokers) and want to quit would be the eventual candidates for clinical testing of any drugs developed from this work.
Not a fit: People looking for an immediate treatment benefit should note this is preclinical research using lab and animal studies and does not offer direct patient treatment now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new type of smoking-cessation medication that helps more people quit nicotine.
How similar studies have performed: Existing smoking-cessation drugs help some people but targeting GPR3 is a novel approach that has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, UNITED STATES
- RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE — RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GAY, ELAINE ARRINGTON — RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: GAY, ELAINE ARRINGTON
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.