Understanding Brain Energy in Methamphetamine Use
Official title: Investigating Parkin-mediated Neuronal Energy Maintenance in Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11127613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how a protein called parkin helps brain cells maintain energy, which could lead to new ways to help people struggling with methamphetamine use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $278,045 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057384-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for anyone interested in future treatments for methamphetamine use disorder, especially those who experience severe cravings and neurological issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not affected by methamphetamine use disorder would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people who use methamphetamine heavily face serious health problems, and there isn't an approved medication to help them quit. This research looks at a protein called parkin, which is important for keeping brain cells energized. We believe that by supporting brain energy, parkin might reduce cravings and harmful behaviors linked to methamphetamine use. The goal is to discover new ways to protect brain cells from the damage caused by methamphetamine and develop new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets to develop the first FDA-approved medication for methamphetamine use disorder, offering hope to those who struggle to quit.
How similar studies have gone: This project tests a novel hypothesis about how parkin affects brain energy in methamphetamine use, building on preliminary data from rat models.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moszczynska, Anna — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Moszczynska, Anna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Calming cue-triggered cravings in methamphetamine use
Seeing if teaching people with methamphetamine use disorder a thinking-based skill (cognitive reappraisal) can reduce brain and craving reactions to drug cues.
-
Psilocybin for treatment of methamphetamine use disorder
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-
Reducing Methamphetamine Use to Improve Health and Well-Being
A clinical trial tests whether giving incentives to people with methamphetamine use disorder helps them use less meth and improves heart, immune, sleep, and psychosocial health.
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Mobilizing Recovery Resources to Improve HIV Care for People Using Methamphetamine
A patient-friendly project to help people living with HIV who use methamphetamine strengthen personal and community supports to stay engaged in care.
-
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for methamphetamine use disorder in people with HIV
A small, carefully controlled study will test whether psilocybin, given with support, can help people living with HIV who have moderate-to-severe methamphetamine use disorder.
-
Tirzepatide for Methamphetamine Use Disorder in adults with diabetes
A study will test whether an approved diabetes drug, tirzepatide, helps adults with methamphetamine use disorder who have diabetes.
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.