Using diclofenac to help treat alcohol use disorder
Official title: Proof of concept: diclofenac as a KMO inhibitor in AUD
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10951718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether diclofenac, a common pain reliever, can help reduce alcohol cravings and drinking by balancing certain brain chemicals in people with alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $223,531 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AA031776-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951718 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those who are not interested in pharmacological interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of diclofenac, a common anti-inflammatory medication, to inhibit an enzyme involved in the kynurenine pathway, which is linked to alcohol use disorder (AUD). By restoring the balance of certain metabolites in the brain, the study aims to reduce alcohol consumption and related behaviors. The approach is based on previous findings in animal models where inhibiting this enzyme led to decreased alcohol intake and cravings. The research will explore whether these effects can be replicated in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of KMO inhibitors has shown promise in animal studies, this approach has not yet been tested in humans, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roche, Daniel — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Roche, Daniel
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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.