Ketone supplement to reduce drinking in alcohol use disorder
Official title: Ketone-sup before Pub: Effects of ketone supplementation on brain energetics and alcohol consumption in alcohol use disorder
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11384232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A ketone drink is being tested to help adults with alcohol use disorder drink less and feel better between cravings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $562,403 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031570-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384232 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diagnosed alcohol use disorder who experience cravings and are seeking to reduce drinking.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AUD or those unable to tolerate ketone supplements may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a ketone supplement drink that raises blood ketone levels quickly, aiming to reduce alcohol craving and intake in people with AUD. Researchers will monitor brain energy markers and how ketones influence alcohol metabolism and subjective responses after drinking. The study builds on animal and human data suggesting ketones may support better brain energy and reduce withdrawal symptoms, potentially improving tolerance and adherence. Participants will be adults with AUD who experience cravings and varying levels of drinking, under careful medical supervision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience fewer cravings and lower alcohol consumption, improving overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animals and some humans suggest ketone strategies can reduce drinking and withdrawal symptoms, but more work is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiers, Corinde E — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wiers, Corinde E
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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.