NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving medications for alcohol use disorder

Official title: Optimization of Drug-like Properties of CRFBP-CRF2 Negative Allosteric Modulators for Alcohol Use Disorder

Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10931763 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at new medications to help adults who are dealing with Alcohol Use Disorder by focusing on how certain compounds can better interact with the brain's stress response, aiming to create more effective treatments for those who want to reduce their alcohol use.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startSeptember 20, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$800,043
NIH project number5R01AA030888-02
Project IDNIH-10931763 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have Alcohol Use Disorder or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new medications to treat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a condition affecting millions of adults. The approach involves optimizing specific compounds that interact with the brain's stress response system, particularly targeting a protein that influences alcohol consumption. By understanding how this protein works, researchers aim to create more effective treatments that could help individuals struggling with AUD. The study will explore the mechanisms of these compounds to enhance their drug-like properties and efficacy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective medications for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder, improving their chances of recovery.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the stress response system for treating addiction, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sheffler, Douglas J — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
  • Study coordinator: Sheffler, Douglas J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.