Brain-Behavioral Vulnerabilities Laboratory

Clinical Studies

Click on the links below to find out more about the research studies for which you may qualify:

Nicotine Studies

Phase 2, Multi-Center Trial of AZD8529 for Smoking Cessation in Female Smokers (AZD)

Diagnosis or Problem: Nicotine dependence 
Age: 18-75, this study is specifically for treatment seeking women
Study Involves: Up to 19 weeks, including screening (up to 2 weeks), maintenance/active study drug treatment (12 weeks), and follow-up (Week 17)
Duration: 19 weeks (including 2 week screening period)
Study Status: Active - recruiting participants 
Study Contact Number: 215-222-3200 x204

Study Name: Baclofen effects on brain and behavior in cigarette smokers (BAC)

Diagnosis or Problem: Nicotine dependence
Study Summary: The purpose of our research is to study a medication that may help you quit smoking. We also want to learn more about how this medication impacts your response to smoking cues, or reminders, in your environment that may cause you to crave cigarettes. In this study, the medication (baclofen) is being compared to a placebo, which is a pill that looks like the medication but has no active ingredients. If you qualify for the study, you have a 1 in 2 (50%) chance of receiving the medication; if you don’t receive the medication, you’ll receive the placebo. This study is double-blinded. That simply means that neither you, nor any member of the research team, will know whether you are receiving the medication or the placebo; this is an important way of studying the effectiveness of the medication without biasing our results in any way. Given that genetics play a large role in smoking behavior, we are also studying some genes that are involved in smoking.
Age: 18-60 years
Study Involves: Baclofen or placebo (double-blind), 2 fMRI scans, plus weekly medication monitoring by our medical staff.
Duration: 8 weeks of treatment (including 2 fMRI scans) plus 1 week of follow-up
Study Status: Active - recruiting patients
Study Contact Number: 1-215-222-3200 x188

Use of SPECT to examine DAT binding and Trafficking in cigarette dependence (DDAT2)

Diagnosis or Problem: Nicotine dependence
Study Summary: Studies demonstrate that genetics may play a role in smoking behavior. We will use a brain imaging technique called single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT/CT) to help us learn more about how genetics can influence your motivation to smoke. SPECT/CT is a special camera that uses a radiotracer called DaTscan that provides information about your brain. If we can understand how genetics and smoking behavior interact, we may be able to develop personalized treatment options that can help individuals quit.
Age: 18-60, Males
Study Involves: Consent Visit, Screening Visit, 2 SPECT/CT scans, max of 2 Double-Booking sessions
Duration: Approximately 6 weeks (including 2 week screening period)
Study Status: Active - recruiting patients
Contact Information: 1-215-222-3200 x188


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