Investigating how genetic differences affect weight loss with a specific medication for obesity
Official title: Association of genetic variation near the dopamine D2 receptor gene and other polymorphisms that modulate dopaminergic and opioid signaling on the weight loss response to naltrexone/bupropion
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11010410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your genes might affect how well the weight loss medication Contrave works for you, so we can better understand why some people lose weight with it and others don’t, helping to create more personalized treatment plans for obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,146 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132527-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010410 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 obesity and are considering or currently using the medication Contrave.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or obese, or those who do not meet the age requirement, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how genetic variations near the dopamine D2 receptor and other related genes influence individual responses to the anti-obesity medication Contrave, which combines naltrexone and bupropion. By understanding these genetic factors, the study aims to identify why some individuals lose weight effectively while others do not when using this medication. Participants will undergo assessments to determine their genetic profiles and how these may correlate with their weight loss outcomes. The goal is to develop more personalized treatment strategies for obesity based on genetic predispositions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized obesity treatments that improve weight loss outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that genetic factors can influence responses to obesity treatments, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Korner, Judith — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Korner, Judith
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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.