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OpenTrials
Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT06029296

Diclofenac as a KMO Inhibitor

This mechanistic, proof of concept laboratory study will test the pharmacological properties of diclofenac in individuals with AUD. Participants will complete two sessions in which they will receive a single dose of diclofenac (100 mg) or matched placebo in a randomized and double blind fashion. The primary aim is to assess whether this dose of diclofenac, vs. placebo, increases circulating levels of kynurenic acid. This finding would provide evidence that diclofenac (100 mg) inhibits the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase enzyme.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Age range

21 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Early Phase 1

Primary location

Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC) Treatment Research Program (TRP)

Catonsville, Maryland, 21228, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Ages 21-65
  • Meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for AUD of any severity (Mild, Moderate, or Severe)

Exclusion criteria

  • Lifetime DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders and bipolar and related disorders
  • Positive urine toxicology screen for the following substances: cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamine, phencyclidine, barbiturates, benzodiazepine, methadone, and tricyclic antidepressants
  • Self-reported daily use of opioids (including prescribed)
  • Serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms as indicated by a score ≥ 10 on the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-Revised
  • If female: pregnant, nursing, or with reproductive potential who refuses to use reliable methods of birth control throughout the study
  • Any autoimmune disorder, inflammatory disorder, or medical condition that may interfere with safe study participation and/or study aims (e.g., any cardiac, renal, or liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or diabetes)
  • Attempted suicide in the past 3 years and/or serious suicidal intention or plan within the past year
  • Currently on prescription medication that contraindicates use of diclofenac, including but not necessarily limited to: oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants, lithium, warfarin, aspirin (daily use), methotrexate, cyclosporine, ACE-inhibitors, and diuretics like furosemide and thiazides
  • Previously known hypersensitivity, including gastroenteritis, asthma, and allergic-type reactions, to any NSAID and/or aspirin
  • Current daily use of any NSAID or regular pattern of near daily use within the past three months, regular use of a prebiotic or probiotic supplement and/or any antibiotic, prebiotic, or probiotic use within the last month
  • Any lifetime history of ulcer disease, gastritis, gastroenteritis, or gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Current or recent (within 3 months) participation in a clinical trial involving medication administration
  • Currently in treatment, a history of treatment within the 30 days before enrollment, or currently seeking immediate treatment for AUD
  • Current (last 12 months) DSM-5 diagnosis of SUD for any psychoactive substances other than alcohol and nicotine
  • Currently prescribed a psychotropic medication for the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, bipolar and related disorders
  • AST and ALT > four times the upper limit of the normal range, or albumin, GFR, BUN, or creatinine 15% > the upper limit of the normal range
  • Suffered a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) within the last 12 months, a severe TBI at any point in their life, or a moderate TBI before the age of 12
  • Has below a 6th grade reading level
  • Within the last 3 months, tested positive for COVID-19 (i.e. the SARS-CoV-2 virus) and experienced common related symptoms
  • Any other circumstances that, in the opinion of the investigators, compromises participant safety, ability of the investigators to conduct the study as designed, and/or study integrity

Treatment and study plan

Diclofenac

Drug

100 mg

Placebo

Drug

Sugar pill

Primary outcomes

  1. Kynurenic Acid

    Time frame: 0-, 60-, 120-, 180-, and 240-minutes after pill administration

    Serum levels of Kynurenic Acid

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Proof of Concept: Diclofenac as a KMO Inhibitor in Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder

Acronym: DKMOI

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 8, 2023
Registry last updated
Mar 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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