Investigating how gut bacteria influence cocaine cravings
Official title: Targeting gut brain-signaling to reduce cocaine seeking behaviors
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10915047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might influence cravings for cocaine, hoping to find new ways to help people struggling with addiction by understanding the connection between gut health and the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $645,139 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056592-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cocaine use disorder or those at risk of developing such a condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of substance use disorders or those who are not affected by cocaine addiction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between gut bacteria and cocaine-seeking behaviors, aiming to understand how changes in the gut microbiome can affect brain function and addiction. By using animal models, the study will examine the effects of depleting gut bacteria on cocaine cravings and related brain activity. The goal is to identify potential new treatments for cocaine use disorder by targeting gut-brain signaling pathways. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative therapies for addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of the gut microbiome in addiction is a relatively new area of research, preliminary studies suggest promising results in understanding its impact on substance use behaviors.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kiraly, Drew — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kiraly, Drew
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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.