Investigating a new medication for treating cocaine and methamphetamine addiction
Official title: Pharmacology of Stimulant Choice
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11042870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a medication called VU0364572 to see if it can help people who are dealing with cocaine and methamphetamine addiction by testing it on rats to understand how it affects their choices between drugs and food, which could lead to new treatment options for those in need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $349,313 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055825-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cocaine or methamphetamine use disorders who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have stimulant use disorders or those who are not interested in pharmacological interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential of a medication called VU0364572 to help treat cocaine and methamphetamine use disorders. By conducting experiments with male and female rats, the study aims to understand how this medication influences choices between drugs and food, simulating decision-making processes relevant to human addiction. The research will assess the effects of VU0364572 on drug preference and its impact on brain regions associated with reward and decision-making. The findings could provide insights into new treatment options for individuals struggling with stimulant addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new medication options for patients suffering from cocaine and methamphetamine use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using animal models to evaluate potential treatments for addiction.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banks, Matthew L — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Banks, Matthew L
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.