Using pregnenolone to help treat alcohol use disorder
Official title: Pregnenolone for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10894267 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether pregnenolone can help people with Alcohol Use Disorder by reducing their cravings and drinking, and it involves 150 participants who will either get pregnenolone or a placebo over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $732,801 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030923-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894267 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 treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Alcohol Use Disorder or those who are not seeking treatment for their alcohol consumption may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of pregnenolone, a neuroactive steroid, as a potential treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The study will involve a 12-week double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 150 participants, where half will receive pregnenolone and the other half a placebo. The goal is to assess the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of pregnenolone in reducing alcohol cravings and consumption. Participants will be monitored for changes in their drinking behavior and related stress responses throughout the trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that helps reduce alcohol cravings and improve outcomes for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results with pregnenolone in reducing alcohol cravings and consumption, indicating potential for success in this larger trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milivojevic, Verica — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Milivojevic, Verica
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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.