Could a brain hormone curb alcohol cravings and lift depression at the same time?

NCT ID NCT07734701

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Sherwood Brown, MD, PhD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether pregnenolone, a natural hormone, can help adults with both alcohol use disorder and major depression. Participants take either pregnenolone or a placebo for 12 weeks, while researchers track drinking, cravings, and mood. Brain scans will also look at how the treatment affects circuits linked to addiction and emotion.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: pregnenolone
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for people struggling with both alcohol use disorder and depression.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage trial with 100 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Pregnenolone is a hormone and may cause side effects; its effectiveness for this dual condition is not yet proven.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse anxiety disorder major depressive disorder substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER (AUD) MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, Texas, 75080, United States

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