# Novel Bifunctional Small Molecule for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder

> **NIH NIH R41** · DMK PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. · 2022 · $300,848

## Abstract

SUMMARY
 Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common problem that affects over 14 million Americans at a cost of
$250B and yet less than 10% of the afflicted population are treated with medication that is known to be effective.
The current pandemic and the resulting social isolation have resulted in a significant increase in the prevalence
and severity of this condition. However, currently available treatments are old, have many side effects and are
not effective for all patients.
 Endogenous neuropeptides called endorphins are involved in the addiction process and the most
effective treatment is naltrexone that inhibits all 3 opioid receptors (mu, delta and kappa). Unfortunately,
naltrexone does not adequately deal with the common symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with
AUD. Recent research suggests that there may be other molecules with different mechanisms of action that
might be more effective than naltrexone or at least have less undesired side effects.
 Under the leadership of Professor Richard Van Rijn, PhD, Purdue University has world renowned
expertise and some of the best assays to investigate these novel compounds. We believe that Dina Pharma Inc.
is the only company actively conducting research into these novel molecules that might be the ideal therapeutic
approach to treatment of AUD. Therefore, Purdue University and Dina have the makings of an excellent research
partnership.
 This NIH STTR project through NIAAA will combine the expertise of Dina Pharma and Purdue University
personnel to characterize the properties of these novel compounds and to demonstrate their utility in preclinical
models of AUD. Success of this research, given the urgent unmet medical need for treating AUD, will compel
Dina Pharma to prioritize this line of research and quickly move to human studies. This promises a rapid path to
new effective medicines for patients with this debilitating disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10813913
- **Project number:** 6R41AA030226-02
- **Recipient organization:** DMK PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Ebrahim Versi
- **Activity code:** R41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $300,848
- **Award type:** 6
- **Project period:** 2022-05-15 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10813913

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10813913, Novel Bifunctional Small Molecule for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (6R41AA030226-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10813913. Licensed CC0.

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