Research
UCLA Substance Abuse Pharmacotherapy Unit
The medications development unit is dedicated to the discovery, development, and dissemination of effective medications for the treatment of addiction. The unit is working to advance medical treatments for addiction through research, including clinical trials of potential new anti-addiction medications for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence, and delivery of treatment services. Below is a list of our current substance abuse research.
UCLA Methamphetamine Dependence Medication Development Clinical Trials
We perform phase I (safety and interaction) and phase II (safety and preliminary efficacy) clinical trials of prospective medications for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence. Non-treatment seeking methamphetamine users may qualify for one of our inpatient phase I studies at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, for more information call 1-888-791-9988. Methamphetamine users seeking treatment may qualify to participate in one of our clinical trials, which include counseling and medications, at one of our research clinics. For more information call 1-866-449-UCLA.
Adolescent Methamphetamine Dependence
This is a pilot study to determine the feasibility of a randomized, double-blind clinical trial of bupropion versus placebo, in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management targeting attendance, among adolescents with MA abuse. Results of the study are essential to designing a phase II clinical trial adequately powered to determine the efficacy of bupropion for MA abuse among adolescents.
Pharmacogenomics and Anti-Addiction Medication Development
Genetic differences are thought to be an important biological predictor of response to treatment for addiction. The purpose of this research is to identify genetic factors influencing addiction severity and response to anti-addiction medications, with an emphasis on medications to treat methamphetamine dependence. We are currently collecting DNA specimens from a sample of well phenotyped methamphetamine users who are participating in our clinical studies, including a current pharmacogenetic clinical trial of bupropion for methamphetamine dependence. For more information call 1-866-449-UCLA.
Adolescent Smoking Cessation
A 24 week research study designed for teens and young adults who want to quit smoking. The study offers a 6 week program to develop individualized strategies and to stop smoking and 4 monthly follow-up visits after the completing the 6 week program. Participants will be offered nicotine replacement therapy in conjunction with the skill-building program. Saliva-based genetic samples are also collected as part of the study. For more information, download the study flyer.
HIV Prevention
Our Center also does research in the area of HIV prevention. Below is a list of our current HIV research.
HIV Prevention Trials Network
This is a multi-site, community-level study to determine the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention among Black men who have sex with men (MSM). Findings from the study will be used to prepare for a community-level randomized trial to test the efficacy of the intervention in reducing HIV incidence among Black MSM.
HIV/STD Risk Behaviors in Methamphetamine User Networks
This study aimed to better understand how patterns of sexual and drug use behaviors along with other social and environmental factors, such as other sexually transmitted diseases, places where people gather for sex and drug activities, and types of partnerships, influence the spread of HIV/AIDS from people currently at high risk for HIV/AIDS, like drug users and men who have sex with men (MSM), to those at a lower risk. Study enrollment is complete. The study is currently in data analysis phase.
