Targeting Nr4a1 to help treat cocaine addiction.
Official title: Advancing Nr4a1 as a novel target in cocaine use disorder.
Funded at Rafias LLC · NIH-11032992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with cocaine addiction by looking at a protein that might help reduce cravings, and they’re working on a treatment using a natural compound that activates this protein.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rafias LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $405,230 |
| NIH project number | 1R41DA061874-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder who have not found success with existing treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by cocaine addiction or those who have severe co-occurring mental health disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating cocaine use disorder by focusing on a protein called Nr4a1. The team has found that activating Nr4a1 can reduce cocaine-seeking behavior in mice, suggesting it could be a promising target for new therapies. They plan to develop a treatment using a natural compound that activates Nr4a1, potentially leading to a medication that could help individuals struggling with cocaine addiction. The research is at an early stage, aiming to identify and develop effective therapies for this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a new medication for cocaine addiction, providing an alternative to current psychosocial treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting Nr4a1 is a novel approach, previous studies have shown promise in using similar methods to address addiction, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Rafias LLC
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heller, Elizabeth a — Rafias LLC
- Study coordinator: Heller, Elizabeth a
Related research
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Understanding how early life stress and cocaine exposure shape brain and behavior in adults
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Psilocybin-Assisted ACT for Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
A new treatment combines psilocybin with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people who have both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder.
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Cholinergic Dysregulation and Cognitive Flexibility in Cocaine Use Disorder
A research study explores how cocaine changes brain signaling to affect flexible thinking and decision-making in people with cocaine use disorder.
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Oligonucleotide therapy to help cocaine use disorder reach the brain
A new ASO-based approach aims to deliver gene-targeting therapy across the blood–brain barrier to help people with cocaine use disorder.
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Accelerated TMS for Cocaine Use Disorder
A new, faster brain-stimulation treatment is being tested to help adults with cocaine use disorder reduce cravings and use.
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.