Targeting opioid systems to treat alcohol dependence
Official title: Drug targeting the dynamics of opioid systems in alcohol dependence
Funded at Karolinska Institute · NIH-10915690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how alcohol dependence affects the brain's opioid system and is testing a new drug called CERC-501 to see if it can help people who are trying to overcome alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Karolinska Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Solna, Sweden) |
| Project start | September 20, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $519,188 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA028549-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of alcohol dependence or those currently in recovery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol dependence or are not seeking treatment for alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how opioid systems in the brain are affected by alcohol dependence and aims to develop new treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Using an animal model of alcohol-dependent rats, the study examines the effects of a specific drug, CERC-501, on the brain's opioid receptors during different stages of abstinence. The researchers will analyze brain samples to understand how alcohol impacts these receptors and their mobility, which could lead to better therapeutic strategies for individuals struggling with AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for individuals with alcohol dependence, potentially reducing relapse rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting opioid systems for treating substance use disorders, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Karolinska Institute
Solna, Sweden Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Terenius, Lars Y — Karolinska Institute
- Study coordinator: Terenius, Lars Y
Related research
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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.