Investigating brain receptors to develop new medications for alcohol use disorder

NOP Receptors in nonhuman primate models of AUD

['FUNDING_R01'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10828887

This study is exploring new ways to help people with alcohol use disorder by looking at how certain brain receptors can be targeted with new medications, using nonhuman primates to see if these treatments can reduce drinking.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10828887 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how specific brain receptors, known as nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptors, can be targeted to create new treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Using nonhuman primate models, the study will assess the effects of novel medications that interact with these receptors, alongside traditional drugs, to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption. The research employs advanced techniques such as pharmacotherapy assessment and noninvasive brain imaging to gather comprehensive data on the impact of these treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing alcohol use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective medications for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in rodent models, but this approach in nonhuman primates is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

WINSTON-SALEM, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.