Investigating a medication to reduce cocaine cravings
Official title: A Human Laboratory Study of Exenatide for Reducing the Reinforcing Effects of Cocaine
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10841703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a medication called exenatide can help people with cocaine use disorder by reducing their cravings and the urge to use cocaine, and it’s designed for individuals who are trying to overcome their addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $199,265 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA057411-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10841703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cocaine use disorder who are seeking treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a cocaine use disorder or those who are currently using other substances may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the use of exenatide, a medication that stimulates the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor, to help reduce cravings and the reinforcing effects of cocaine in individuals with cocaine use disorder. The study aims to determine if chronic administration of exenatide can improve treatment outcomes by decreasing drug-seeking behavior and cravings. Participants will be monitored in a controlled environment to assess the medication's effects on their responses to cocaine. The research seeks to build on previous findings and address limitations from earlier studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new pharmacotherapy option that significantly improves treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited success with similar approaches, this study aims to address previous limitations and explore the potential of exenatide more thoroughly.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verrico, Christopher D — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Verrico, Christopher D
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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.