Actively Recruiting

Phase 2
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID07118618

Probenecid, Pannexin 1 Channels for Alcohol Use Disorder

Led by Brown University · Updated on 2026-03-17

120

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of the drug probenecid on alcohol craving and consumption in adults with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This Phase 2, double-blind, randomized controlled trial aims to test whether taking 2 grams of probenecid daily can reduce both acute and naturalistic alcohol craving, as well as actual alcohol consumption. The study is sponsored by Brown University and focuses on individuals with moderate to severe AUD as defined by DSM-5 criteria. The study compares two groups: one receiving oral probenecid tablets (2 grams daily) and the other receiving inactive placebo tablets. The trial lasts 16 weeks and includes a laboratory phase to measure acute craving and a naturalistic phase to monitor craving and drinking in real-world settings. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the probenecid or placebo group, and both participants and researchers are blinded to which treatment is given. Participants will visit the study site regularly for assessments including breath alcohol content tests, questionnaires, medical exams, and lab tests. The primary outcome is the level of acute alcohol craving over 5 weeks, with a secondary outcome measuring craving over 12 weeks. The study monitors health status and adherence to procedures throughout. Total participation spans the 16-week trial period and includes safety checks and outcome evaluations.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Probenecid Administration for Alcohol Craving and Consumption

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Male or female aged 18 years or older
  • Women who drink more than 7 drinks per week; men who drink more than 14 drinks per week
  • Meet moderate to severe Alcohol Use Disorder criteria according to DSM-5
  • Breath Alcohol Content must be 0.00 at each visit
  • In good health confirmed by medical history, physical exam, and lab tests
  • Willing to follow study procedures
  • Able to understand informed consent and questionnaires in English at an 8th grade level
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Women who are breastfeeding or have a positive urine pregnancy test
  • Significant medical issues such as unstable hypertension, abnormal EKG, high bilirubin or liver enzymes, or low creatinine clearance
  • Diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychoses
  • Taking medications that reduce alcohol consumption like naltrexone or disulfiram
  • Using aspirin, penicillin, or methotrexate which may affect probenecid
  • History of suicide attempts in the last three years
  • Moderate or severe cannabis use disorder
  • Other substance use disorders except nicotine
  • Using medications that may interact with probenecid
  • History of allergy to sulfa drugs

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Duration - 12 weeks

Participants receive daily oral tablets of either Probenecid or placebo to evaluate effects on alcohol craving and consumption.

Weekly visits for up to 12 weeks

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island, United States, 02903

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

B

Brian Gully, MA

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Number of Arms

2

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Published Research Related To This Trial

Probenecid as a pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder: A randomized placebo-controlled alcohol interaction trial.

Rivkah Hornbacher, Brian J Gully, Zoe E Brown...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39472130