Investigating new drugs to understand nicotine's effects on behavior
Official title: Selective Positive Allosteric Modulators of a4b2 Nicotinic Receptors
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11159770 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new drugs that can help people who are struggling with nicotine addiction by targeting specific brain receptors, aiming to better understand how these receptors work and how they can be influenced to support recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $700,679 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059985-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159770 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing nicotine dependence or related behavioral challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use nicotine products or have no interest in quitting smoking or vaping may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new compounds that selectively target specific nicotinic receptors in the brain, which are believed to play a crucial role in nicotine addiction and its behavioral effects. By creating and testing novel positive allosteric modulators, the research aims to enhance our understanding of how these receptors function and how they can be influenced by drugs. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, particularly those struggling with nicotine dependence or related behavioral issues. The study involves synthesizing new drug analogs and characterizing their effects in laboratory settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for nicotine addiction and improved understanding of its behavioral impacts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting nicotinic receptors for addiction treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thakur, Ganesh a — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Thakur, Ganesh a
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.