Orexin blockers to reduce alcohol craving
Influence of Orexin Antagonism on Motivation for Alcohol
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · NIH-11329086
This project will see whether medicines that block the brain chemical orexin can reduce the urge to drink in people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11329086 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would receive a medication that blocks orexin, a brain chemical linked to motivation, and researchers will watch how that changes your wanting and effort to get alcohol using lab tasks and questionnaires. They may compare the orexin blocker to a placebo and measure drinking-related choices, craving, and sleep changes after chronic alcohol exposure. The study builds on animal work showing orexin blockers lower alcohol-seeking and aims to translate those findings into people with problematic drinking. Visits will likely include controlled lab sessions and monitoring over weeks to capture behavioral and sleep outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alcohol use disorder or heavy drinking who are medically stable and willing to attend clinic visits and complete lab behavioral tests are the best match.
Not a fit: People without alcohol problems, pregnant people, or those taking medications that interact with orexin blockers may not benefit or could be ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a new medicine that lowers craving and helps prevent relapse for people with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Strong animal studies show orexin blockers reduce alcohol-seeking and improve sleep, but clinical evidence in people with AUD is still limited.
Where this research is happening
LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY — LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: STOOPS, WILLIAM WALTON — UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
- Study coordinator: STOOPS, WILLIAM WALTON
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 below.
Conditions: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome