Researchers from the University of Oregon explored whether drugs used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis might also help people struggling with alcohol dependence. The team carried out a series of studies to assess this possibility. The central molecule examined is apremilast, a medication known for its ability to dampen inflammatory signals in the body. By calming inflammation, apremilast helps relieve skin symptoms and, as new findings suggest, could influence alcohol use behavior as well. These insights were reported after a series of carefully designed experiments, shedding new light on how immune and brain signaling intersect with addictive processes.
In the laboratory portion of the work, two mouse models were used to reflect genetic risk factors associated with binge drinking. Across both models, the administration of apremilast led to reduced alcohol consumption. The researchers traced this effect to changes in brain activity within a region called the nucleus accumbens. This brain area plays a key role in reward, motivation, and the experience of pleasure, and it has been implicated in various behavioral responses including addiction and even mood-related states. The increased activity of this region appears to alter how rewards from alcohol are processed, contributing to lower intake in the animals studied.
Following the animal studies, the team advanced to a human trial involving adults diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. In a controlled, double blind, placebo controlled design, fifty one individuals were enrolled and observed over an 11 day period. The results showed a meaningful shift in drinking behavior among participants receiving apremilast compared with those who received a placebo. On average, the treated group reduced their daily alcohol consumption from about five drinks to roughly two drinks, a substantial decrease that supports the potential utility of this medication in reducing alcohol use. The outcomes align with the proposed mechanism involving brain reward pathways and inflammatory signaling, suggesting a broader role for anti-inflammatory agents in managing addictive behaviors. The evidence from this study adds to a growing interest in repurposing existing medications to support recovery in alcohol use disorders. © Attribution Journal of Clinical Research