Using intranasal insulin to help treat alcohol use disorder
Intranasal Insulin Administration as Medication for Alcohol Use Disorder
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 ID | NIH-10890323 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are non-treatment-seeking individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who are actively seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder or those with contraindications to insulin use may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haass-Koffler, Carolina Luisa — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Haass-Koffler, Carolina Luisa
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 below.