Yale SCORE: sex differences in alcohol use disorder and new therapies for women
Official title: Yale-SCORE on Sex Differences in Alcohol Use Disorder
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11416755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large Yale-led effort will study why women develop and maintain alcohol use disorder and test new treatment ideas especially for women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,499,999 |
| NIH project number | 5U54AA027989-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416755 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with alcohol use disorder or at risk for AUD who may participate in related clinical or translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without AUD or those not engaging with stress-related drinking pathways may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This program brings together clinical and basic science experts to translate findings across human and animal models. It focuses on how stress and negative emotions influence drinking in women and seeks to develop new medications that work better for women with AUD. The project uses a translational, cross-species approach with three integrated projects and shared support cores. By studying neuroimmune changes and sex differences, the team aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and move promising treatments toward people who need them. If successful, the work could lead to better, more effective options for women facing AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially better treatments for women with alcohol use disorder that address stress-related relapse and negative mood.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown sex differences in AUD and the potential for tailored treatments, with ongoing translational work building on these findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mckee, Sherry Ann — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Mckee, Sherry Ann
Related research
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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.