Testing a new treatment for methamphetamine addiction
Official title: IND-enabling studies and phase I clinical trials to advance CD74-target, DRhQ, as a treatment for stimulant use disorder
Funded at Virogenomics Biodevelopment, INC. · NIH-11011421 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,287,052 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3DA061709-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011421 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are struggling with methamphetamine use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not addicted to methamphetamine or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction, focusing on a molecule called DRhQ that targets the CD74 receptor. The study aims to conduct phase I clinical trials to assess the safety of this treatment in both healthy volunteers and those diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder. By utilizing animal models and human trials, the research seeks to understand how this treatment can reduce drug-seeking behavior and improve cognitive function affected by addiction. The ultimate goal is to provide a pharmacotherapeutic option for patients who currently have limited treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new medication to help individuals overcome methamphetamine addiction and reduce relapse rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting immune factors in addiction is emerging, this specific treatment and its application in methamphetamine use disorder is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
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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Targeting CD74 to treat stimulant use disorder
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.
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.