Targeting a brain protein to help with drug addiction
Small molecule modulators of ΔFosB
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON · NIH-11061002
This research aims to find new medicines that can change how a specific brain protein works to help people overcome drug addiction.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GALVESTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11061002 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Drug addiction is a serious health challenge, and we urgently need new ways to help people. Scientists have found that a protein in the brain called ΔFosB plays a key role in addictive behaviors, especially with drugs like cocaine and opioids. This protein builds up in the brain and affects how people seek drugs, experience reward, and relapse. This project is working to understand exactly how ΔFosB functions and to develop small molecules that can control its activity, with the goal of reversing the long-term brain changes caused by chronic drug use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future clinical trials based on this work would likely seek individuals struggling with drug addiction.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing drug addiction would not directly benefit from this specific research, as it focuses on the mechanisms of addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to entirely new medications that target the underlying brain changes in addiction, offering a novel approach to treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While ΔFosB's role in addiction is well-established, developing small molecules to specifically modulate its function in this way is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
GALVESTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON — GALVESTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RUDENKO, GABRIELLE — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON
- Study coordinator: RUDENKO, GABRIELLE
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.