New treatment for alcohol use disorder targeting stress response
Official title: Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling Study for a New Therapeutic for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Funded at Stress Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11062330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new medication designed to help people with alcohol use disorder by calming down a part of the brain that can cause cravings and relapses, and it will test how well and safely this treatment works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stress Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $999,393 |
| NIH project number | 1U43AA032129-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who experience stress-related triggers for drinking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not affected by stress-related drinking triggers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapeutic aimed at managing the overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is linked to alcohol use disorder (AUD). The approach involves creating a first-in-class medication that can help restore normal HPA function, potentially reducing cravings and relapse in individuals with AUD. The study will include the manufacturing and validation of the therapeutic, as well as testing its effectiveness and safety through various methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been many studies on HPA axis modulation, this specific approach is novel and aims to address significant unmet needs in the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Where this research is happening
-
Stress Therapeutics, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lloyd, Linda S — Stress Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Lloyd, Linda S
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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.