M1 receptor–targeted approaches for cocaine addiction
Official title: Assessing central muscarinic acetylcholine type-1 receptors in cocaine use disorder with 11C-LSN3172176.
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11364180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Yale-led study looks at a brain receptor (M1) to understand if targeting it could help people with cocaine-use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $762,688 |
| NIH project number | 5R33DA053592-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cocaine-use disorder who are able to participate in brain-imaging or related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cocaine-use disorder or those unable to undergo imaging or study procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the type-1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1) in people who struggle with cocaine-use disorder. Researchers will study how M1 activity relates to brain regions involved in addiction, like the striatum and hippocampus, and how this may influence cravings and behavior. The approach follows phased development to translate basic findings into potential treatments, starting from mechanistic studies and moving toward therapeutic implications. By understanding M1’s role in cocaine use, the work aims to identify new strategies that could reduce relapse risk for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could point to new medical options that help reduce cocaine cravings and support recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data suggest M1 receptors influence cocaine reward, with translational potential shown in early human research, but clinical efficacy remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Angarita, Gustavo Adolfo — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Angarita, Gustavo Adolfo
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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.