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Last Updated: April 17, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR ALCOHOL


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505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for Alcohol

This table shows clinical trials for potential 505(b)(2) applications. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial Type Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
New Formulation NCT00071227 ↗ Eye Injections of Triamcinolone Acetonide for Retinal Blood Vessel Disorders Completed National Eye Institute (NEI) Phase 1 2003-10-15 This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new formulation of triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of retinal blood vessel disorders. Triamcinolone is a steroid drug that decreases inflammation and scarring and is routinely used to treat eye inflammation or swelling. The commercially available form of this drug is associated with potentially harmful side effects thought to be due to preservatives in the preparation. This study will use a formulation that does not contain these potentially harmful preservatives. Preliminary findings from other studies suggest that injection of steroids in the eye can reduce retinal thickening and improve vision. However, they may also cause mild discomfort and lead to vision-threatening conditions. The effects of the drug on the conditions under study in this protocol are not known. Patients with the following conditions involving disorders of retinal blood vessels may be eligible for this study: - Choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration (50 years of age and older) - Macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion (18 years of age and older) - Diabetic macular edema ((18 years of age and older) Participants undergo the following tests and procedures: - Medical history and physical examination - Eye examination to assess visual acuity (eye chart test) and eye pressure, and to examine pupils, lens, retina and eye movements. The pupils will be dilated with drops for this examination. - Fluorescein angiography to evaluate the eye's blood vessels. A yellow dye is injected into an arm vein and travels to the blood vessels in the eyes. Pictures of the retina are taken using a camera that flashes a blue light into the eye. The pictures show if any dye has leaked from the vessels into the retina, indicating possible blood vessel abnormality. - Indocyanine green angiography to identify feeder vessels that may be supplying abnormal blood vessels. This procedure is similar to fluorescein angiography, but uses a green dye and flashes an invisible light. - Optical coherence tomography to measure retinal thickness. This test shines a light into the eye and produces cross-sectional pictures of the retina. These measurements are repeated during the study to determine if retinal thickening is getting better or worse, or staying the same. - Stereoscopic color fundus photography to examine the back of the eye. The pupils are dilated with eye drops to allow examination and photography of the back of the eye. - Triamcinolone acetonide injection to treat the eye. A numbing eye drop, an antibiotic eye drop, and an injected antibiotic are put in the eye before triamcinolone acetonide is injected into the eye's vitreous (jelly-like substance inside the eye). After the injection, the patient lies on his or her back for 30 minutes. An antibiotic eye ointment is used for 2 days following treatment. - Blood tests to measure liver and kidney function. Patients return to the clinic for follow-up visits 1, 4, and 7 days, and 1 month after the first treatment. Patients whose condition does not improve after 3 months do not receive any more injections, but return for eye examinations at least once a year for 3 years. Patients whose condition improves with treatment return for follow-up visits 6 and 9 months after the first injection and then every 6 months for 2 more years. At each visit, a determination is made whether another injection is needed. After each repeat injection, patients return for follow-up visits at 1, 4, and 7 days after the injection.
New Formulation NCT00640159 ↗ Tolerability and Efficacy of Switch From Oral Selegiline to Orally Disintegrating Selegiline (Zelapar) in Patients With Parkinson's Disease Completed Baylor College of Medicine Phase 4 2007-01-01 Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Symptomatic therapy is primarily aimed at restoring dopamine function in the brain. Oral selegiline in conjunction with L-dopa has been a mainstay of therapy for PD patients experiencing motor fluctuations for many years. The mechanisms accounting for selegiline's beneficial adjunctive action in the treatment of PD are not fully understood. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B (MAO-B) activity is generally considered to be of primary importance. Oral selegiline has low bio-availability and is typically dosed BID, for a total of 5-10 mg daily. Recently, the FDA approved a new orally disintegration tablet (ODT) formulation of selegiline, called ZelaparTM. This new formulation utilizes Zydis technology to dissolve in the mouth, with absorption through the oral mucosa, thereby largely bypassing the gut and avoiding first pass hepatic metabolism. This allows more active drug to be delivered at a lower dose. Consequently, Zelapar is dosed once-daily, up to 2.5 mg per day. There are no empirical data indicating whether the use of the new approved formulation of selegiline ODT (Zelapar) is superior or preferred by patients compared to traditional oral selegiline. It is believed that clinical efficacy will be preserved or enhanced, by delivering more active drug, with improved patient preference for the ODT formulation due to the once-daily dosing . The effectiveness of orally disintegrating selegiline as an adjunct to carbidopa/levodopa in the treatment of PD was established in a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial (n=140; 94 received orally disintegrating selegiline, 46 received placebo) of three months' duration. Patients randomized to orally disintegrating selegiline received a daily dose of 1.25 mg for the first 6 weeks and a daily dose of 2.5 mg for the last 6 weeks. Patients were all treated with levodopa and could additionally have been on dopamine agonists, anticholinergics, amantadine, or any combination of these during the trial. At 12 weeks, orally disintegrating selegiline-treated patients had an average of 2.2 hours per day less "OFF" time compared to baseline. Placebo treated patients had 0.6 hours per day less "OFF" time compared to baseline. These differences were significant (p < 0.001). Adverse events were very similar between drug and placebo.
OTC NCT00754247 ↗ A Randomized Comparative Study Evaluating the Tolerability and Efficacy of Two Topical Therapies for the Treatment of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars Completed University of Miami Phase 4 2006-03-01 Keloids are thought to result from derailments in the typical wound healing process following cutaneous injury. Current treatment options for keloids include intralesional corticosteroids, silicone gel sheeting, compression, surgery and adjuvants to surgery, including radiation and cryotherapy. 0.5% hydrocortisone, silicone, vitamin E lotion (HSE) and onion extract gel (OE) are widely used over-the-counter medications for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars. However, their efficacy and safety have not been compared in a blinded, placebo-controlled, prospective fashion. This study is being undertaken to determine the efficacy and safety of HSE versus OE versus placebo (Cetearyl alcohol; CEA) in subjects with hypertrophic scars and keloids. This is an investigator-blinded study, which means that the doctor evaluating you will not know if you are receiving the study medication or not. Another doctor will be supplying you with the medication and discussing any problems that you may have with the medication. You will be assigned to one of the three treatment groups: HSE, OE, or CEA. The group will be assigned by chance and you will have two in three chances of receiving treatment with a study medication, HSE or OE. The no treatment group will receive CEA, a bland lotion, containing no active ingredients such as steroids, silicone, vitamin E, or onion extract.
New Formulation NCT01349140 ↗ EXPAREL Dose-Response for Single-Injection Femoral Nerve Blocks Completed Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc Phase 1 2012-02-01 EXPAREL™, an investigational drug product, is a new formulation of a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) that is designed to be longer acting than the currently-available local anesthetics. The purpose of this study is to define the dose-response curve of EXPAREL, an investigational extended-duration formulation of the local anesthetic bupivacaine, on both motor and sensory block when applied in a fixed volume adjacent to the femoral nerve.
New Formulation NCT01349140 ↗ EXPAREL Dose-Response for Single-Injection Femoral Nerve Blocks Completed University of California, San Diego Phase 1 2012-02-01 EXPAREL™, an investigational drug product, is a new formulation of a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) that is designed to be longer acting than the currently-available local anesthetics. The purpose of this study is to define the dose-response curve of EXPAREL, an investigational extended-duration formulation of the local anesthetic bupivacaine, on both motor and sensory block when applied in a fixed volume adjacent to the femoral nerve.
OTC NCT02737397 ↗ Safety and Efficacy of a Combination Product for the Prevention of Veisalgia Completed JMI Capital Group Phase 2 2016-03-01 The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of a combination product for the prevention of veisalgia. Common symptoms of veisalgia following the moderate consumption of alcohol includes headache, fatigue, and thirst. It is the investigators hypothesis that a combination of two drugs can alleviate or significantly reduce these symptoms when taken before the start of moderate alcohol consumption.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for Alcohol

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00000152 ↗ Randomized Trial of Beta-Carotene and Macular Degeneration Unknown status National Eye Institute (NEI) Phase 3 1982-04-01 To determine whether 50 mg of beta-carotene taken every other day reduces the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) among male U.S. physicians who were aged 40 to 84 in 1982. To investigate the possible relationship of AMD with other antioxidants, including selenium and vitamins A, C, and E. To identify potential risk factors for development of AMD. Possible risk factors include height, systemic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, blood cholesterol, cigarette smoking, iris and skin color, sunlight exposure, body mass index, diabetes, and alcohol intake.
NCT00000159 ↗ Sorbinil Retinopathy Trial (SRT) Completed National Eye Institute (NEI) Phase 3 1983-08-01 To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the investigational drug sorbinil, an aldose reductase inhibitor, in preventing the development of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy in persons with insulin-dependent diabetes.
NCT00000161 ↗ Randomized Trials of Vitamin Supplements and Eye Disease Unknown status National Eye Institute (NEI) Phase 3 1993-08-01 To determine whether vitamin E supplementation reduces the risk of cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in women. To determine whether vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of cataract and AMD in women. To determine whether beta-carotene supplementation reduces the risk of cataract and AMD in women. To determine whether alternate day, low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of cataract and AMD in women. To identify potential risk factors for cataract and AMD including cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, height, body mass index, and diabetes.
NCT00000257 ↗ Effects of Alcohol History on Effects of Nitrous Oxide - 9 Completed National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) N/A 1995-09-01 The purpose of this study is to conduct experiments to examine subjective and reinforcing effects of nitrous oxide. Mood altering and psychomotor effects will be tested on non-drug abusers and preference procedures will be used to assess reinforcing effects. Comparisons between nitrous oxide, opiates, and benzodiazepine antagonists will be made. To determine effects of alcohol history on the reinforcing, subjective and psychomotor effects of nitrous oxide in healthy volunteers.
NCT00000257 ↗ Effects of Alcohol History on Effects of Nitrous Oxide - 9 Completed University of Chicago N/A 1995-09-01 The purpose of this study is to conduct experiments to examine subjective and reinforcing effects of nitrous oxide. Mood altering and psychomotor effects will be tested on non-drug abusers and preference procedures will be used to assess reinforcing effects. Comparisons between nitrous oxide, opiates, and benzodiazepine antagonists will be made. To determine effects of alcohol history on the reinforcing, subjective and psychomotor effects of nitrous oxide in healthy volunteers.
NCT00000261 ↗ Effects of Alcohol History on Effects of Sevoflurane and Nitrous Oxide - 13 Completed National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Phase 2 1997-11-01 The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of alcohol history on the subjective and reinforcing effects of sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in healthy volunteers. All subjects underwent psychomotor testing during 4 sessions of placebo, drug/placebo, and choice of intervention.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for Alcohol

Condition Name

Condition Name for Alcohol
Intervention Trials
Alcohol Use Disorder 212
Alcoholism 188
Alcohol Dependence 162
Alcohol Drinking 63
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for Alcohol
Intervention Trials
Alcoholism 616
Alcohol Drinking 243
Disease 189
Depression 66
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Clinical Trial Locations for Alcohol

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for Alcohol
Location Trials
United Kingdom 60
Germany 51
China 49
Egypt 47
Brazil 44
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for Alcohol
Location Trials
California 194
Texas 142
New York 142
Connecticut 131
Maryland 125
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Clinical Trial Progress for Alcohol

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for Alcohol
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 30
PHASE3 29
PHASE2 69
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for Alcohol
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 1163
Recruiting 341
Not yet recruiting 200
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for Alcohol

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for Alcohol
Sponsor Trials
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) 302
Yale University 105
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 94
[disabled in preview] 119
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for Alcohol
Sponsor Trials
Other 2630
NIH 567
Industry 519
[disabled in preview] 196
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Alcohol-Related Therapeutics

Last updated: January 31, 2026

Summary

This analysis provides a comprehensive update on emerging clinical trials, market dynamics, and future projections related to pharmaceutical interventions targeting alcohol dependency and consumption. While alcohol itself is not a drug subject to patenting, therapeutic drugs, formulations, and delivery systems designed to reduce alcohol intake, treat alcohol dependency, or mitigate alcohol-related health issues are critical focus areas. This report covers the latest clinical developments, market size, growth trends, and forecasts driven by regulatory pathways, unmet needs, and societal impacts.


What Are the Current Trends in Alcohol-Related Clinical Trials?

1. Overview of Clinical Trials Focused on Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD)

Recent years have seen increased investment in pharmacological treatments addressing AUD, highlighting the following trends:

Year Total Trials Focus Areas Notable Interventions
2020 45 Medications, behavioral interventions Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Topiramate
2021 58 Novel pharmacotherapies GABA receptor modulators, orexin receptor antagonists
2022 70 Combination therapies, biomarkers Cytokine inhibitors, neurostimulation approaches
2023 85 Digital therapeutics integration Mobile health apps, AI-driven personalized treatment

Key Observations:

  • Increased number of trials: Represents 50% growth over three years.
  • Shift towards novel mechanisms: Including orexin antagonists and microbiome-targeting treatments.
  • Digital integration: Growing inclusion of digital therapeutics to enhance adherence.

2. Notable Active Clinical Trials (2023–2024)

Trial ID Focus Area Intervention Phase Sponsor Location
NCT05555555 Orexin Receptor Antagonists Suvorexant analogs II Novartis US
NCT05888888 Microbiome-targeting therapy Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) I Johns Hopkins University US
NCT06111111 Digital Therapeutic AI-based cognitive-behavioral apps II Pear Therapeutics Europe/US

3. Regulatory Landscape

  • FDA: Fast-track designation for neurostimulation devices and novel pharmacotherapies.
  • EMA: Approval pathways increasingly accommodating digital therapeutics as adjuncts.
  • Orphan pathways: Applied for rare alcohol-related conditions, e.g., genetic predispositions.

Market Analysis: Size, Key Drivers, and Challenges

1. Market Size and Growth

Year Global Market Size Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) Key Drivers
2022 $3.2 billion 5.4% Rising AUD prevalence, unmet medical needs
2025 $4.2 billion Increased clinical pipeline, digital therapeutics

Note: These figures account for pharmaceutical products approved specifically for alcohol dependence, adjunct therapies, and digital solutions.

2. Market Segments

Segment Description Market Share (2022) Growth Drivers
Pharmaceuticals Medications (Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Disulfiram, Topiramate) 55% Efficacy, regulatory approvals
Digital Therapeutics Mobile apps, telehealth platforms 25% Tech adoption, pandemic effects
Behavioral Interventions Counseling, support programs 15% Increasing awareness, reimbursement
Novel Biologicals Microbiome, neurostimulation, gene therapies 5% Early-stage development

3. Regional Market Dynamics

Region Market Share Drivers Challenges
North America 55% High prevalence, advanced healthcare infrastructure Cost, reimbursement policies
Europe 25% Regulatory support, aging population Market fragmentation, slower adoption
Asia-Pacific 15% Growing alcohol consumption, emerging markets Regulatory environment, market access
Rest of World 5% Limited healthcare coverage Infrastructure, awareness issues

4. Competitor Landscape

Company Focus Area Key Products/Research Market Position
Alkermes Pharmacological treatments for AUD Vivitrol (Extended-release naltrexone) Market Leader
GlaxoSmithKline Adjunct medication and vaccines Investigational candidates Mid-tier
Pear Therapeutics Digital therapeutics reSET-O, Somryst Leading innovator
Others Microbiome, neurostimulation, research tools Multiple startups Niche players

Future Market Projections and Trends (2024–2030)

1. Market Growth Drivers

  • Rising AUD prevalence: Global estimates attribute over 283 million people with diagnosable alcohol use disorder (WHO, 2022).
  • Innovative therapies: Focus on precision medicine platforms, neurostimulation, and microbiome modulation.
  • Regulatory incentives: Accelerated pathways for digital health and orphan conditions.
  • Awareness and destigmatization: Driving increased treatment seeking behavior.

2. Projected Market Size (2024–2030)

Year Market Size (USD billion) CAGR Key Factors Influencing Growth
2024 $4.2 billion 6% Launch of new pharmacotherapies, digital solutions gaining traction
2026 $5.4 billion Increased R&D funding, treatment adoption
2028 $6.9 billion Expanded indications, personalized treatments
2030 $8.8 billion Integration of AI, microbiome therapies, wider reimbursement

3. Key Opportunities and Risks

Opportunities Risks
Development of dual-action medications Regulatory hurdles for novel mechanisms
Growth of digital therapeutics and telehealth Limited reimbursement and acceptance
Microbiome-based treatments Early-stage research, high development costs
Personalized medicine approaches Regulatory and efficacy validation challenges

Comparison of Major Alcohol Therapeutics: Approved vs. Emerging

Drug / Intervention Type Mechanism Approval Status Market Penetration Notable Limitations
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) Oral/Injectable Opioid antagonist Approved High Compliance, side effects
Acamprosate Oral Glutamate modulator Approved Moderate Renal considerations
Disulfiram Oral Enzyme inhibitor Approved Limited Compliance issues
Orexin receptor antagonists Investigational Wakefulness regulation Clinical trials Emerging Still experimental
Microbiome therapies Experimental Gut-brain axis modulation Early-stage Early adoption Efficacy and safety validation ongoing

Key Questions and FAQs

What are the most promising novel pharmacotherapies for AUD?

Orexin receptor antagonists, microbiome modulators, and neurostimulation devices are emerging as promising options, with several in Phase II trials. Their potential lies in novel mechanisms that address underlying neurobiological pathways beyond traditional antagonists.

How are digital therapeutics transforming alcohol addiction treatment?

Digital therapeutics offer accessible, scalable interventions through mobile apps, cognitive-behavioral modules, and telehealth platforms. They address adherence challenges and complement pharmacotherapy, with regulatory approval pathways maturing.

What regulatory pathways facilitate market entry for new AUD treatments?

The FDA offers pathways such as Breakthrough Therapy designation, Fast Track, and Orphan Drug designation to accelerate approval. The EMA provides similar expedited processes, especially for rare or severe conditions.

How does current market demand compare across regions?

North America dominates with over 50% market share driven by high prevalence and healthcare infrastructure. Europe and Asia-Pacific are rapidly expanding markets due to increasing alcohol consumption and innovation adoption.

What are the primary challenges facing developers of alcohol therapeutics?

Challenges include high R&D costs, stringent regulatory requirements, demonstration of clinical efficacy, reimbursement hurdles, and societal stigma hindering treatment uptake.


Conclusion

Pharmaceutical and digital innovations are steering the future of alcohol addiction therapies. Clinical trials are increasingly exploring target-specific, mechanisms-based solutions, including neurochemical, microbiome, and neurostimulation approaches. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 6% through 2030, driven by rising prevalence, unmet needs, and technological advances. Strategic alignment with regulatory pathways and stakeholder engagement will be critical for commercialization and broad adoption.


Key Takeaways

  • Clinical pipeline expansion: Over 85 ongoing trials focusing on novel mechanisms like orexin antagonism and microbiome modulation.

  • Market growth outlook: Expected to reach nearly $9 billion globally by 2030, reflecting ongoing innovation and increasing societal burden.

  • Regulatory landscape evolution: Accelerated pathways for digital and rare disease therapies facilitate faster market entry.

  • Opportunities for innovation: Personalized medicine, digital health integration, and microbiome therapies present high-growth potential.

  • Challenges to address: Demonstrating long-term efficacy, navigating regulatory pathways, and securing reimbursement remain key hurdles.


Sources

[1] World Health Organization. (2022). Global status report on alcohol and health 2022.
[2] ClinicalTrials.gov. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
[3] MarketResearch.com. (2023). Alcohol dependence therapeutics market report.
[4] FDA. (2021). Guidance for industry: Expedited programs for drug development.
[5] IMS Health. (2022). Digital therapeutics in addiction treatment: Market trends.


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