Understanding how a seizure/relapse drug may help people with alcohol use disorder and PTSD
Official title: Mechanistic Insights into Topiramate Response in Comorbid AUD and PTSD: From patients to cells
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11424107 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Mayo Clinic-led study will explore why a popular anticonvulsant (topiramate) works differently for people who have both alcohol use disorder and PTSD, using patient samples and cell-level analysis to find clues for better treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $433,056 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA033316-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424107 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with comorbid alcohol use disorder and PTSD who are candidates for anticonvulsant therapy and biomarker-informed care.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AUD/PTSD or those not considered for anticonvulsant therapy may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses patient information and lab models to uncover biological markers and mechanisms that influence how topiramate works in people with both alcohol problems and PTSD. Researchers will study cells derived from patients and apply advanced data approaches to link molecular signals with treatment responses. The work aims to identify markers that could guide personalized treatment choices and improve outcomes for complex cases. The study combines clinical insights from patients with lab-based experiments to bridge bedside and bench biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with AUD and PTSD could receive more precise, effective treatment recommendations based on their biology.
How similar studies have gone: Previous iPSC and multi-omics work has shown promise in linking biology to drug response, supporting a translational path for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ho, Ming-Fen — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Ho, Ming-Fen
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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.