Investigating a brain enzyme's role in compulsive drinking behavior

Dorsal striatal phosphodiesterase 10A and compulsive ethanol use

NIH-funded research Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11001985

This study is looking at how a brain enzyme called PDE10A affects compulsive drinking in people with alcohol use disorder, and it hopes to find new treatment options that could help reduce excessive drinking.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionScripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11001985 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how a specific enzyme in the brain, phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A), influences compulsive drinking behaviors associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study aims to explore the molecular and genetic factors that contribute to compulsive drinking by examining the activity of different brain pathways. By testing potential inhibitors of PDE10A, the research seeks to identify new treatment options that could help reduce excessive alcohol consumption. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the neurobiological mechanisms underlying their drinking behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder who exhibit compulsive drinking behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who do not engage in compulsive drinking behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating alcohol use disorder and reducing compulsive drinking.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar neurobiological pathways for treating alcohol use disorder, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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 2026-06-13 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.