Ibudilast for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder (NCT05414240) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingPhase 2
Ibudilast for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder
United States50 participantsStarted 2023-01-14
Plain-language summary
This is a research study involving 6 weeks of study medication, Ibudilast or a placebo (an inactive substance) and medical management counseling to reduce or stop drinking. Ibudilast is not approved by the U.S. FDA for clinical use in the United States, but it is has been used for many years in Japan for its anti-inflammatory effects. Its use in the treatment of alcohol dependence is experimental. By reducing inflammation, Ibudilast may help some people reduce or stop drinking. We have obtained an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) approval for this study from the FDA. Ibudilast has been used clinically for 20 years in Asia for treating bronchial asthma and, more recently, for post-stroke dizziness and ocular allergies and has been shown to be safe and well tolerated.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Physically healthy, based on medical history and physical examination and approval of the study physician
. Meets current DSM-5 criteria for AUD
. Average weekly ethanol consumption of \>24 standard drinks for men and \>18 standard drinks for women, with a weekly average of \> 2 HDDs during the month before screening
. Stated goal to reduce drinking to safe levels or to stop drinking
. Able to read English at an 6th grade or higher level and no gross cognitive impairment
. Willingness to nominate an individual who will know the subject's whereabouts to facilitate follow up during the study
. Women of child-bearing potential (i.e., who have not had a hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, tubal ligation or less than two years postmenopausal) must be non-lactating and practicing a reliable method of birth control and have a negative urine pregnancy test prior to the initiation of treatment. Examples of medically acceptable methods for this protocol include: the birth control pill, intrauterine device, injection of Depo-Provera, Norplant, contraceptive patch, contraceptive ring, double-barrier methods (such as condoms and diaphragm/spermicide), male partner sterilization, abstinence (and agreement to continue abstinence or to use an acceptable method of contraception, as listed above, should sexual activity commence), and tubal ligation.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. Willingness to provide signed, informed consent and commit to completing the procedures in the study
Exclusion criteria
. A current, clinically significant physical disease or abnormality based on medical history, physical examination, or routine laboratory evaluation, including direct bilirubin elevations of \>110% or a transaminase elevation \>300% of normal
. Current, serious psychiatric illness (i.e., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe or psychotic major depression, panic disorder, borderline or antisocial personality disorder, organic mood or mental disorders, eating disorder, or imminent suicide or violence risk)
. Current DSM-5 diagnosis of dependence on a drug other than alcohol, marijuana or nicotine
. Current regular treatment with a psychotropic medication (e.g., benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants), which affect neurotransmitter systems, or a medication to treat alcohol dependence. Stable antidepressant treatment for at least 1 month is acceptable.
. Urine drug screen positive for recent use of opioids, cocaine, or amphetamines (may be repeated once and if the result is negative on repeat it is not exclusionary)
. Judged by the principal investigator or his designee to be an unsuitable candidate for receipt of an investigational drug