Sex and gender differences in behavioral, biological, and clinical correlates of substance
use disorders are myriad, yet there exists a dearth of gender-informed treatment options.
Ovarian hormones have been identified as potential mechanisms of these disparities , and
recent clinical trials have begun to examine their utility as possible pharmacotherapeutic
agents. The ovarian hormone progesterone has shown promise as a treatment for female cocaine
and nicotine users, but has not yet been tested for cannabis. Gender differences in cannabis
withdrawal, which is associated with relapse, are pronounced and several studies report more
severe and impairing withdrawal symptoms in women compared to men. Developing pharmacological
interventions for cannabis withdrawal remains an important priority given the significant
cognitive, psychiatric, and physical consequences of heavy cannabis use.
Phase:
Early Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Medical University of South Carolina
Collaborators:
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) National Institutes of Health (NIH)