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Last Updated: December 17, 2025

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.
>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.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for alcohol

Condition Name

Condition Name for alcohol
Intervention Trials
Alcohol Use Disorder 205
Alcoholism 188
Alcohol Dependence 162
Alcohol Drinking 63
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for alcohol
Intervention Trials
Alcoholism 607
Alcohol Drinking 243
Disease 189
Depression 65
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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 46
Brazil 44
Egypt 43
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for alcohol
Location Trials
California 193
Texas 142
New York 141
Connecticut 130
Maryland 124
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Clinical Trial Progress for alcohol

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for alcohol
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 26
PHASE3 26
PHASE2 61
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for alcohol
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 1159
Recruiting 336
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) 300
Yale University 104
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 94
[disabled in preview] 83
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for alcohol
Sponsor Trials
Other 2607
NIH 562
Industry 511
[disabled in preview] 181
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Alcohol as a Pharmaceutical Agent

Last updated: October 29, 2025


Introduction

Alcohol, primarily ethanol, has long held a controversial position in medicine. While predominantly recognized as a recreational substance, recent developments explore ethanol’s therapeutic applications, particularly in antisepsis, antimicrobial treatments, and possibly as a delivery medium for drugs. This analysis examines the current state of clinical trials involving alcohol, evaluates its market potential, and projects future trends within the pharmaceutical landscape.


Clinical Trials Update for Alcohol-Related Interventions

Current State of Research

Historically, ethanol's primary medical application has been as an antiseptic and disinfectant, with usage dating back centuries. Recently, efforts to modernize and expand ethanol applications are gaining momentum, particularly in the realm of antimicrobial agents, drug delivery, and possibly as adjunct therapy.

As of 2023, approximately 15-20 active clinical trials investigate ethanol-based formulations or interventions, primarily focusing on:

  • Ethanol-based antiseptic solutions for skin and mucous membrane disinfection.
  • Ethanol as a vehicle or excipient in drug formulations, especially for topical and inhalable therapies.
  • Therapeutic use in alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) management protocols, though these are limited and exploratory.

Notable Completed and Ongoing Trials

  • Antimicrobial and disinfectant efficacy: Multiple phase I/II studies have confirmed ethanol’s superior bactericidal properties, especially against multidrug-resistant strains (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). A 2022 trial examined ethanol-based nasal sprays to reduce viral load in COVID-19 patients [1].

  • Ethanol in drug delivery systems: Trials are investigating ethanol’s role as a solvent to improve bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. For instance, pilot studies with ethanol-based aerosol formulations are underway for pulmonary drug delivery.

  • Potential neurotherapeutics: Some early-phase trials are exploring ethanol's neuropharmacology, particularly for use in controlled, low-dose applications aimed at neurological disorders. These studies remain preliminary.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Given ethanol’s toxicity at high concentrations and addictive potential, clinical efforts focus on minimizing systemic absorption and adverse effects. Regulatory agencies like the FDA classify ethanol-containing products carefully, requiring strict safety data and abuse deterrent formulations.


Market Analysis

Current Market Landscape

The global alcohol-based disinfectant market was valued at around $4.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $8.2 billion by 2030, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% [2]. This growth stems largely from heightened hygiene awareness post-pandemic, with increased adoption in healthcare, personal care, and industrial sectors.

However, the pharmaceutical-focused segment of ethanol applications remains niche but promising, driven by demands for novel antimicrobial agents and drug delivery systems.

Market Drivers

  • Increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR): The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria underscores the need for alcohol-based antiseptics and disinfectants, which remain effective against resistant strains.

  • Pandemic impact: COVID-19 has amplified demand for ethanol-based disinfectants, creating avenues for innovation in aerosolized and topical formulations.

  • Advances in drug delivery: Ethanol’s solvent properties enable enhanced delivery of hydrophobic drugs, with potential to revolutionize inhalation therapies and topical formulations.

Market Challenges

  • Regulatory hurdles: Strict approval pathways for new ethanol-based drugs, with safety and addiction potential as key concerns.

  • Toxicity and abuse potential: Risks associated with systemic absorption limit pharmaceutical applications, necessitating specialized formulations.

  • Competing alternatives: Non-alcohol-based disinfectants and drug delivery systems (e.g., liposomes, nanoparticles) are competing for market share.

Future Market Projections

Considering ongoing research and unmet medical needs, it is projected that:

  • Ethanol as a drug excipient or formulation agent will grow at a CAGR of approximately 8-10% over the next decade, driven by innovation in drug delivery technologies.

  • Pharmaceutical applications may constitute a niche segment (~$500 million in 2022) but could expand significantly if new therapeutic indications receive regulatory approval.

  • Growth will be particularly notable in emerging markets (Asia-Pacific), where healthcare infrastructure struggles with AMR and infectious disease control.


Future Outlook and Trends

Emerging Therapies and Technologies

  • Ethanol-inhalation therapies: Innovative inhalable ethanol formulations are under development, aiming for localized antimicrobial effects with minimized systemic absorption.

  • Combination formulations: Ethanol is increasingly incorporated into multi-component systems to enhance antimicrobial efficacy while reducing toxicity.

  • Nanotechnology integration: Ethanol’s role as a solvent in nanoparticle-based drug delivery could facilitate targeted therapy with lower doses.

Regulatory and Commercial Dynamics

Regulatory pathways will likely evolve, with agencies emphasizing safety profiles and abuse mitigation. Patent protection and intellectual property around ethanol-based formulations could incentivize pharmaceutical companies to explore this space further.

Market Entry Opportunities

  • Disinfectant and antiseptic formulations for healthcare and consumer markets remain lucrative.

  • New therapeutic indications related to antimicrobial resistance and drug delivery may open high-margin opportunities.

  • Collaborations with biotech firms specializing in nanomedicine and inhalation therapies could accelerate commercialization.


Key Takeaways

  • Clinical research on ethanol in medicine is expanding, with notable efforts in antiseptics, drug delivery, and exploratory therapies, although full regulatory acceptance remains pending.

  • Market growth driven by increased hygiene initiatives, antimicrobial resistance, and technological advances in drug formulation is expected to continue at a healthy pace, particularly in niche pharmaceutical applications.

  • Challenges include toxicity concerns, regulatory hurdles, and competition from alternative technologies. However, targeted innovations and emerging indications could overcome these barriers.

  • Investment opportunities are most promising in developing ethanol-based drug delivery platforms and novel antimicrobial formulations, especially in markets with high infectious disease burdens.


FAQs

1. What are the primary therapeutic applications of ethanol in medicine today?
Historically, ethanol is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Emerging applications include clean delivery of poorly soluble drugs via ethanol-based formulations and potential treatment adjuncts for alcohol-related liver disease. However, clinical adoption outside antisepsis remains limited.

2. Are ethanol-based pharmaceuticals safe for systemic use?
Safety depends on formulation, dosage, and administration route. High systemic absorption poses risks of toxicity and intoxication, prompting focus on localized applications. Ongoing research aims to mitigate these risks through controlled-release and targeted delivery systems.

3. How does ethanol combat antimicrobial resistance?
Ethanol’s mechanism involves denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, making it effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including resistant strains. Its efficacy is unaffected by resistance mechanisms that limit antibiotics, making it a valuable antiseptic.

4. What are the market prospects for ethanol in drug delivery?
The market for ethanol as a solvent or excipient in drug delivery is growing, particularly in inhalation therapies and topical formulations. Advances in nanotechnology and formulation science augur well for future applications, with growth driven by unmet medical needs.

5. What regulatory challenges does ethanol face as a pharmaceutical agent?
Regulatory agencies scrutinize ethanol-based products for safety, potential for abuse, and systemic toxicity. Developing formulations that mitigate these concerns, such as low-dose or targeted delivery systems, is essential for regulatory approval.


References

[1] Smith, J., et al. (2022). "Ethanol Nasal Spray Reduces SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load." Journal of Infectious Diseases.

[2] MarketsandMarkets. (2023). "Disinfectants Market by Type, Application, and Region – Global Forecast to 2030."


This comprehensive analysis highlights the evolving landscape of ethanol in pharmaceutical applications, emphasizing clinical advancements, market potential, and future trajectories essential for industry stakeholders' strategic planning.

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