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-11087232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might influence cravings for cocaine, with the hope of finding new ways to help people who are trying to overcome cocaine addiction.
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, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,058 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DA056592-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087232 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 who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with cocaine use disorder or those who have not previously used cocaine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between gut bacteria and cocaine-seeking behaviors. It aims to understand how changes in the gut microbiome can affect brain function and potentially lead to new treatments for cocaine use disorder. By using antibiotics to alter the gut microbiome, the study will assess the impact on cravings and relapse in animal models. The findings could provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies for individuals struggling with cocaine addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help reduce cravings and prevent relapse in individuals with cocaine use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the gut microbiome in addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
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.