Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is notoriously difficult to treat, but a new therapeutic option may be on the horizon. Ondansetron, a competitive serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist currently used to prevent nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, is now being studied in a formulation known as AD04 for its potential to reduce alcohol craving and consumption in people with a specific genetic wiring.

Importantly, this preparation has the potential to be administered while patients are still regularly consuming alcohol, which may help physicians achieve stronger patient compliance with therapy, hopefully leading to better outcomes.

Bankole A. Johnson, DSc, MD
The Dr. Irving J. Taylor Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry
Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology
Professor of Medicine, Neurology, and Pharmacology
Director of the Brain Science Research Consortium Unit
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Disclosure: Chairman, Adial Pharmaceuticals