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A new class of drugs that block a brain receptor called NK1R may help heavy drinkers decrease their alcohol consumption. It may be of use for treating other addictive disorders.

Other approaches have tried to block the pleasant effects. Blocking the stress response may be an effective treatment for alcoholism.

NK1R is found in brain regions that are involved in feeling stress and in experiencing drug reward. Researchers believe that blocking NK1R could alter brain processes that lead to excessive alcohol consumption and desire to drink.

Mice were genetically modified to lack NK1R, which has a similar effect to blocking the NK1R receptor with a drug. Mice were given the choice of alcohol or water. NK1R blocked mice showed a marked decrease in their alcohol consumption when compared with normal mice but water intake was not affected.

The mutant NK1R animals were much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. The theory is that as sensitivity to alcohol increases, the desire to drink alcohol drops.

A trial of LY686017, a new drug that blocks NK1R was conducted.  Fifty recovering alcoholic patients were chosen who had high levels of anxiety for the study. Patients were randomly chosen to receive the LY686017 or inactive placebo. LY686017 prevented alcohol cravings and improved the sense of well-being. The drug effects were accompanied by changes in the brain activity in important regions, according to MRI scans. Blockage of NK1R might benefit people with other substance abuse problems. Nicotine and opiate addiction may be additional drug addictions that can be treated by this class of drug.

LY686017 administration over a long term might be required for alcoholics to avoid relapse. Addiction is a chronic disease similar to diabetes.

Clinical trials of LY686017 should start soon.

http://www.nih.gov/news/research_matters/march2008/03102008alcohol.htm