Targeting CD74 to treat stimulant use disorder
Official title: Immunotherapeutic Targeting CD74 as a Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder
Funded at Virogenomics Biodevelopment, INC. · NIH-10932039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment for people struggling with methamphetamine addiction by testing a special molecule that might help reduce cravings and improve thinking skills, aiming to offer hope where other treatments haven't worked.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virogenomics Biodevelopment, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tigard, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $405,334 |
| NIH project number | 1R41DA059296-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with stimulant use disorder, particularly those who have struggled with methamphetamine addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by stimulant use disorder or those who have not used methamphetamine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating stimulant use disorder, particularly focusing on methamphetamine addiction. It aims to evaluate a molecule called DRhQ, which targets CD74, a receptor involved in inflammatory responses that may influence addictive behaviors. The study will utilize preclinical animal models to assess the effectiveness of this treatment in reducing drug-seeking behavior and improving cognitive function. By exploring immune factors in addiction, this research seeks to develop a novel therapeutic option where current treatments have failed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new FDA-approved treatment for individuals struggling with stimulant use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting immune factors in addiction is emerging, this specific method using CD74 is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in human subjects.
Where this research is happening
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Virogenomics Biodevelopment, INC.
Tigard, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shirley, Renee Lynn — Virogenomics Biodevelopment, INC.
- Study coordinator: Shirley, Renee Lynn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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DRhQ: a new drug targeting CD74 for methamphetamine addiction
Testing DRhQ, a new medicine that aims to reduce cravings, brain inflammation, and relapse in adults with methamphetamine (stimulant) use disorder.
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DRhQ: a new approach to protect brain cells after drug-related injury by targeting CD74 signaling
A new treatment called DRhQ aims to reduce brain damage from non-disordered drug use, using a molecule that calms inflammation and supports white-matter health in affected individuals.
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Testing a new treatment for methamphetamine addiction
This study is testing a new treatment for people dealing with methamphetamine addiction, using a special molecule to see if it can help reduce cravings and improve thinking skills, and it's looking for both healthy volunteers and those with addiction to participate.
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.