# CSR&D Research Career Development Transition Award Application

> **NIH VA IK4** · VA CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · 2020 · —

## Abstract

This application is for the Career Development Transition Award (CDTA). As a psychiatrist and clinical
researcher, Dr. Yoon has designed and conducted several clinical trials and translational research driven by
neuroscience-based hypotheses. The main goal of his research is to evaluate and develop medications for
addictive and psychiatric disorders. He is a recipient of the VA Career Development Award (CDA-2) and the
Merit Review Award. Dr. Yoon has tested novel approaches for the treatment of addictive and psychiatric
disorders, particularly focusing on alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Many of
his studies are the first to translate a novel observation in preclinical research to human therapy for these
disorders.
 Addictive and psychiatric disorders produce enormous morbidity and mortality, and are very costly to
the VA. The pharmacological approach he is testing has enormous potential to help patients suffering from
addictive and psychiatric disorders. His current Merit Review award project is being conducted to evaluate
whether the combination of ketamine (NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist) and naltrexone (opioid receptor
antagonist) is effective in reducing depression and alcohol consumption. This study is highly innovative by
asking important questions on (a) whether opioid receptor stimulation contributes to the antidepressant effects
of ketamine and (b) whether the combination of naltrexone and ketamine might be a strategy to reduce
addiction risk while rapidly treating depression. Since adequate treatment of MDD and AUD is of major clinical
importance, the ketamine plus naltrexone approach may have a transformative impact on patients suffering
from this condition.
 The CDTA will extend his capabilities beyond the current Merit Review Award project and lead his
growth and development as a clinical researcher. His research plans during the CDTA period include: (a)
conduct of six clinical trials that are currently funded (Project 1-6), (b) resubmission of two NIH R01
applications (Project 7-8), and (c) submission of two new grant applications (Project 9-10). Building on the
findings from these projects, his long-term goal is to develop new and more effective pharmacological
interventions for addictive and psychiatric disorders. In addition to these research activities, he will participate
in training activities. Dr. Yoon is actively collaborating with VA and Yale researchers. They have collected data,
shared research techniques, published papers, and submitted grant applications.
 There are three objectives.
Aim #1: To conduct six clinical trials that are currently funded (Project 1-6).
Aim #2: To resubmit two NIH R01 applications (Project 7-8) and submit two new grant applications (Project 9-
10)
Aim #3: To participate in training activities in (1) ketamine and psychiatric research, (2) neuroscience and drug
discovery, (3) addiction research, (4) clinical trials and research methodology, (5) neuroimaging, (6)...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9946310
- **Project number:** 1IK4CX002091-01
- **Recipient organization:** VA CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
- **Principal Investigator:** Gihyun Yoon
- **Activity code:** IK4 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-01-01 → 2024-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9946310

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9946310, CSR&D Research Career Development Transition Award Application (1IK4CX002091-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9946310. Licensed CC0.

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