New treatment for alcohol use disorder targeting stress response

Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling Study for a New Therapeutic for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

NIH-funded research Stress Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11062330

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStress Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project IDNIH-11062330 on NIH RePORTER

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).

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who experience stress-related triggers for drinking.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

San Diego, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions alcohol use disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.