RXFP3-Targeted Drugs to Help with Alcohol Use Disorder
Official title: Small molecule modulators of RXFP3 for alcohol use disorder
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-11415789 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug approach aims to block a brain receptor (RXFP3) to reduce alcohol craving and drinking in people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $857,555 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA032636-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415789 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with alcohol use disorder who may benefit from a novel pharmacological treatment targeting RXFP3 after further development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AUD or those who would not be candidates for future RXFP3-targeted therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on creating brain-penetrant RXFP3 negative allosteric modulators to treat alcohol use disorder. Researchers will optimize lead compounds for stronger potency and better drug-like properties, then test them in animal models of alcohol seeking and relapse. They will also look at potential mood-related side effects to ensure the approach is safe and tolerable. The work builds on evidence that blocking RXFP3 could reduce alcohol drinking without disrupting general movement or other rewards.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could provide a new, more effective option for reducing alcohol use and relapse with manageable side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies showed that RXFP3 NAMs reduced alcohol self-administration in animals, supporting progression to further optimization and testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jin, Chunyang — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Jin, Chunyang
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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.