Breakthrough Study Identifies Single Drug Approach for PTSD, Pain, and Alcohol Misuse

A recent study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology has identified a promising new treatment that could revolutionize how we manage co-occurring conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Currently, patients suffering from these overlapping conditions face significant challenges, as there are no approved medications that effectively target all three simultaneously. Existing treatments often come with serious side effects and limited efficacy.

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, in collaboration with the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, conducted pioneering preclinical studies using rats to evaluate the potential of a novel drug called PPL-138. This opioid partial agonist targets specific brain receptors involved in stress, pain, and addiction pathways.

The studies explored how PPL-138 could alleviate symptoms associated with PTSD, anxiety, pain, and alcohol consumption. In the first study at the University of Oklahoma, researchers focused on whether long-term use of PPL-138 could reduce PTSD-like symptoms linked to chronic traumatic stress. The second study at FAU examined how trauma-related anxiety influenced alcohol intake, with rats divided into different groups based on their stress responses.

Results demonstrated that PPL-138 significantly decreased anxiety behaviors, pain responses, and alcohol consumption in rats exhibiting PTSD-like symptoms. Interestingly, the drug selectively reduced alcohol use only among rats that showed signs of trauma-induced anxiety. Moreover, the effects were not attributable to sedation or decreased activity levels, indicating that PPL-138 acts specifically on stress and anxiety mechanisms.

What makes PPL-138 particularly promising is its sex-specific efficacy. Female rats experiencing anxiety-related behaviors also showed reduced alcohol intake with the treatment, reflecting similar patterns observed in human behavioral studies, where women tend to use alcohol to cope with emotional distress. Conversely, male rats exhibited increased alcohol use following trauma, but PPL-138 effectively mitigated this behavior.

Lead researcher Andrea Cippitelli emphasized the significance of these findings: "Our results show that PPL-138 not only alleviates trauma-related anxiety and pain but also selectively curtails alcohol consumption in stress-vulnerable rats. This targeted approach has the potential to transform treatment strategies for individuals with PTSD and related comorbidities."

Importantly, the drug’s effects appear specific to stress-related behaviors, without impairing movement or general activity, highlighting its potential safety profile. This research marks a crucial step toward developing a single therapy capable of treating multiple overlapping conditions associated with trauma, possibly reducing dependence on complex, multi-drug regimens.

The company behind PPL-138, Phoenix PharmaLabs, Inc., is advancing this compound through clinical trials, aiming to offer a safer, more effective option for patients suffering from PTSD, chronic pain, and alcohol misuse. This breakthrough could notably improve the quality of life for millions affected by these debilitating conditions, particularly veterans and civilians who currently have limited tailored treatment options.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-drug-therapy-ptsd-pain-alcohol.html