Bacterial toxin may fuel alcohol cravings in heavy drinkers
NCT ID NCT04527185
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a bacterial toxin called endotoxin can increase alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder. 27 participants received either endotoxin or a placebo, and their alcohol intake was measured during a 2-hour session. The goal was to gather early data on how inflammation might affect drinking behavior.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide)
- What this could lead to
- If this study shows a link, it could point toward new ways to understand and treat alcohol use disorder by targeting inflammation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase pilot study with only 27 people. The results may not apply to everyone with alcohol use disorder, and the findings are preliminary.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Yale School of Medicine
New Haven, Connecticut, 06519, United States
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