Testing new medications for treating substance use disorders

Laboratories for Early Clinical Evaluation of Pharmacotherapies for Substance Use Disorders

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10767775

This study is looking for people with opioid or cocaine use disorders to try out a new medication called lorcaserin, which might help reduce cravings when combined with another treatment, to see if it can make recovery easier and more effective.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-10767775 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on early clinical trials to evaluate new pharmacotherapies for substance use disorders, particularly opioid and cocaine use disorders. The team at Virginia Commonwealth University uses a combination of preclinical models and phase I studies to assess the safety and effectiveness of medications like lorcaserin, which has shown promise in reducing substance use in animal models. Patients may participate in trials that explore the effects of lorcaserin in combination with buprenorphine, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for those struggling with addiction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include individuals diagnosed with opioid or cocaine use disorders, particularly those who may benefit from new treatment combinations.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have substance use disorders or those who are not seeking treatment for addiction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for individuals with substance use disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar pharmacological approaches for treating substance use disorders, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Richmond, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.