Targeted cortisol receptor blocker for alcohol use disorder
Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Human Neuroscience Study
A selective drug that blocks cortisol receptors is being given to adults with alcohol use disorder to see if it reduces stress-related drinking, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142470 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would take a selective glucocorticoid receptor blocker called PT150 for short periods and come in for two kinds of lab sessions. The trial enrolls 34 adults (17 female, 17 male) and uses a crossover design with three dosing periods (placebo, 450 mg/day, 900 mg/day), each maintained for at least five days. In one session researchers will induce stress and in another they will give a modest dose of alcohol (0.5 g/kg) while tracking craving, alcohol demand, mood, cortisol levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and breath alcohol for two hours after exposure. The goal is to compare your responses across the different PT150 doses to see whether blocking cortisol signaling lowers alcohol-related motivation and withdrawal-related reactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are medically stable and willing to take study medication and attend in-person lab sessions involving stress and controlled alcohol exposure are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without alcohol use disorder, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or individuals with medical conditions or medications that conflict with PT150 use are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower stress-triggered drinking, reduce cravings, and ease withdrawal-related symptoms for people with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical and some human lab work with nonselective GR blockers show reduced alcohol reward and relapse-like responses, but selective agents like PT150 have not been widely tested in people yet.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fillmore, Mark T — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Fillmore, Mark T
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.