Oxytocin as a potential therapy for endocrine problems in cocaine use disorder
Official title: Oxytocin as a potential therapeutic for endocrine dysfunction in cocaine use disorder
Funded at University of Mississippi Med Ctr · NIH-11366328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study looking at whether oxytocin could help women with cocaine use disorder manage their hormonal dysfunction and reduce cocaine use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $901,409 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA063645-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with cocaine use disorder who experience endocrine dysfunction and are potential candidates for hormonal-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with cocaine use disorder who have no measurable hormonal dysfunction or who do not respond to oxytocin pathways may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how hormones influence cocaine use in women and whether oxytocin can normalize hormonal cycles and reduce drug-taking. Researchers will study how oxytocin interacts with progesterone in the brain areas that control reward and stress, using animal models and translational approaches. The work aims to uncover mechanisms and test whether oxytocin could become a treatment to help women abstain longer and restore endocrine balance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new hormonal treatment approach that helps women with cocaine use disorder maintain abstinence and recover normal hormonal function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animals show oxytocin can affect cocaine intake and menstrual cycles, supporting further investigation in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi Med Ctr
Jackson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kohtz, Amy — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Kohtz, Amy
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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.