Safer iboga-derived medicines for addiction and related conditions
Chemistry and Pharmacology of Iboga Alkaloids
Testing new iboga-like compounds to reduce cravings and drug use in adults with opioid, cocaine, nicotine, or alcohol dependence while lowering dangerous heart risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297940 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We're designing new versions of ibogaine that keep the drug-reducing and pain-relief effects but reduce risky heart effects. The team made a class called “oxa-iboga” and tested them in human heart cells and in animal models. Results so far show no proarrhythmic signals in adult human cardiomyocytes and reduced drug seeking and pain in rats. The work aims to move these safer compounds toward possible human testing for addiction and related conditions like PTSD or traumatic brain injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with opioid, cocaine, nicotine, or alcohol use disorders, and adults with co-occurring conditions such as PTSD or traumatic brain injury, would be the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People under 21, those without substance use disorders, or individuals with certain medical exclusions (for example unstable cardiac disease or pregnancy) may not benefit from these compounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide safer, iboga-derived treatments that reduce substance use and related symptoms without causing dangerous heart side effects.
How similar studies have performed: A number of observational human reports and preclinical studies suggest ibogaine can interrupt addiction, and this program’s cell and animal data are promising, but controlled human trials and approved safer iboga-like drugs do not yet exist.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia Univ New York Morningside — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sames, Dalibor — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Sames, Dalibor
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.