Could a ketone drink curb alcohol cravings? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT04616781

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a single dose of a ketone ester drink can reduce alcohol cravings and consumption in people with alcohol use disorder. Twenty non-treatment-seeking participants will receive either the ketone drink or a placebo on two separate days, then undergo brain scans and an alcohol-drinking task. The goal is to see if the ketone drink changes brain activity and 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: ketone ester drink (R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to help people with alcohol use disorder reduce their drinking and cravings.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 20 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect is tested after a single dose, so long-term benefits are unknown.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse Alcohol Drinking

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOL DRINKING ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Pennsylvania Center for Studies of Addiction
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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