New treatment for alcohol use disorders using ALDH2 inhibitors
Official title: ALDH2 inhibitors for the treatment of AUD
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10830460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with alcohol use disorders by focusing on a specific enzyme in the liver, aiming to create treatments that can reduce cravings for alcohol while causing fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 20, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $183,469 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030336-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10830460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who may benefit from new therapeutic options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not seeking treatment for alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating alcohol use disorders (AUDs) by targeting the ALDH2 enzyme, which plays a key role in metabolizing acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol consumption. The study aims to develop and test new small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target the liver, minimizing side effects associated with broader treatments. By synthesizing and evaluating various analogs of a promising compound, YA7068, the researchers hope to find effective therapies that can reduce alcohol-seeking behavior and improve patient outcomes. The research will involve both laboratory and animal testing to validate the effectiveness of these inhibitors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways for treating alcohol use disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xue, Fengtian — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Xue, Fengtian
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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.