Using long-lasting ketamine to treat substance use disorders without side effects.
Official title: Long-acting injectable ketamine for improved substance use disorder (SUD) treatment without dissociative effects.
Funded at Consegna Pharma, INC. · NIH-10744308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Consegna Pharma, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $326,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA059056-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10744308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders who are seeking effective treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with substance use disorders or those who have contraindications to ketamine will not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Consegna Pharma, INC.
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zana, Lawrence J — Consegna Pharma, INC.
- Study coordinator: Zana, Lawrence J
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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.