N-acetylserotonin helps reduce alcohol misuse after brain injuries.
Official title: N-acetylserotonin alleviates neurotoxicity in alcohol misuse following TBI
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10834197 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called N-acetylserotonin (NAS) might help people who have had a traumatic brain injury and are dealing with alcohol use problems, by exploring how it could reduce their alcohol cravings and improve their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $190,461 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030087-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10834197 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and have a history of alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of alcohol use disorder or have not experienced a traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how N-acetylserotonin (NAS) can help individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI) and struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind increased alcohol consumption following TBI and to explore NAS as a potential treatment. By examining how NAS interacts with specific brain pathways and reduces neurotoxicity, the research seeks to develop a novel therapy that could improve outcomes for affected patients. Participants may be involved in assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of NAS in reducing alcohol intake and preference.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for individuals dealing with alcohol misuse after a traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that N-acetylserotonin can protect against neurotoxicity in various models, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xin — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xin
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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.