Using intranasal insulin to help treat alcohol use disorder
Official title: Intranasal Insulin Administration as Medication for Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at Brown University · NIH-10890323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a nasal spray of insulin can help people with alcohol use disorder by improving brain function and reducing stress, and it will compare the effects of the insulin to a dummy treatment to see how safe and well-tolerated it is.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $244,393 |
| NIH project number | 1R34AA031589-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are non-treatment-seeking individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are actively seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder or those with contraindications to insulin use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of intranasal insulin as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). It aims to improve brain function and reduce stress hormones, which may help with issues related to memory and impulsivity in individuals with AUD. The study will involve administering intranasal insulin to participants in a controlled setting, comparing its effects to a placebo. Researchers will assess the safety, tolerability, and any adverse events associated with this treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise for intranasal insulin in treating various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel application in alcohol use disorder.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haass-Koffler, Carolina Luisa — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Haass-Koffler, Carolina Luisa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Functional Connectivity-Guided TMS for Alcohol Use Disorder
A new approach uses targeted brain stimulation to help people with alcohol use disorder stay abstinent longer by focusing treatment on specific brain circuits.
-
Alcohol Use Disorder and Suicidal Behavior: Finding Why They Occur Together
A study using Swedish population data to understand why alcohol use disorder relates to suicidal thoughts and acts, with the goal of improving risk prediction and prevention.
-
Non-hallucinogenic psilocybin derivative for alcohol use disorder
A new, safer psilocybin-like compound is being studied to help people with alcohol use disorder.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Mu and Kappa Opioid Balance in Alcohol Use Disorder
A study using brain imaging to understand how the brain’s opioid system changes during early sobriety in adults with alcohol use disorder.
-
Telehealth support to prevent suicide in people with alcohol use disorder in Tanzania
A telehealth counseling program is being adapted to help reduce suicide risk for people with alcohol use disorder in emergency departments in Tanzania.
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.