Investigating how gut bacteria affect amphetamine abuse
Official title: The Role of Microbiome Composition in Amphetamine Abuse
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11090548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect how our brains respond to amphetamines, which are sometimes used for attention issues but can also be misused, to help find new ways to treat substance use problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $536,931 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056484-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have a history of amphetamine use or abuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use amphetamines or have no history of substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between gut microbiome composition and amphetamine abuse. It examines how changes in gut bacteria may influence the brain's response to amphetamines, which are often used to treat attention deficit disorders but can also be abused. The study will analyze the effects of microbial products, particularly short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, on behavior and dopamine levels in the brain. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to identify potential new treatment strategies for substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that reduce the risk of amphetamine abuse by targeting gut microbiome health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that gut microbiome imbalances can influence substance use behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galli, Aurelio — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Galli, Aurelio
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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.