Using long-lasting ketamine to treat substance use disorders without side effects.

Long-acting injectable ketamine for improved substance use disorder (SUD) treatment without dissociative effects.

NIH-funded research Consegna Pharma, INC. · NIH-10744308

This study is testing a new long-lasting injectable form of ketamine to help people with substance use disorders by reducing cravings and supporting recovery, while aiming to make the treatment easier to stick with and more comfortable.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionConsegna Pharma, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10744308 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new formulation of ketamine that is designed to be administered as a long-acting injectable treatment for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). The approach aims to reduce cravings and promote recovery by utilizing ketamine's properties as a psychoplastogenic compound, which may enhance neuroplasticity and reduce dependence on substances. By encapsulating ketamine in polymer microparticles, the drug is released slowly over time, minimizing adverse effects such as sedation and dissociation that are common with current formulations. This innovative method seeks to improve treatment adherence and outcomes for patients struggling with SUD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders who are seeking effective treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients who are not struggling with substance use disorders or those who have contraindications to ketamine will not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and safer treatment option for individuals with substance use disorders, potentially leading to better recovery rates.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ketamine for SUD treatment is a novel approach, preliminary research has shown promise in utilizing psychoplastogenic compounds for addiction recovery.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Mental disordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.