As Cocaine Overdose Deaths Increase, New Study @UCSDMedSchool Offers Potential Cocaine Addiction Treatment

Robert Anthenelli, MD, professor and director, Pacific Treatment and Research Center, UC San Diego School of Medicine, is available to talk about a new study that is investigating the potential use of a novel medication for cocaine addiction. UC San Diego School of Medicine is one of only five study sites in the U.S.

The study medication, called EMB-001, is made up of two drugs, metyrapone and oxazepam, both already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for conditions other than cocaine addiction.

In 2020, more than 80,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. — the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period. Overdose deaths involving cocaine increased by 27 percent during this same time. Overall, cocaine overdose deaths have been climbing over the past five years.

Anthenelli can share information about the rise of overdose deaths during the pandemic, the goals of the study, total number of study participants, and potential benefits and risk of participation.

More about the study can be learned at: A Study to Evaluate EMB 001 in Subjects With Cocaine Use Disorder – Full Text View – ClinicalTrials.gov; ID: NCT04501874.

Potential participants may call 858-246-4673.

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