Meet the Buzz-Kill Pill

Aug. 11, 2008 -- A new pill stops the euphoric effects of alcohol, but it won't prevent a hangover the next day.

By blocking a key receptor involved in stress, scientists at Oregon Health and Science University are testing a drug that stops the happy feelings brought on by a drink of alcohol.

Scientists say the drug could stop not only alcoholics from relapsing, but it could also stop pleasurable feelings gained from cocaine and even food.

"This drug has great potential to treat not only alcoholism, but other stress-related disorders as well," said Tamara Phillips, a professor at Oregon Health and Science University and a co-author of the study, which appeared recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The drug, called CP 154,526, was originally developed and donated for testing by drug giant Pfizer, maker of the popular drug Viagra.

CP 154,526 physically binds to a receptor in the brain called corticotrophin-releasing factor one (CRF1). The receptor blocks corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), a chemical released by alcohol that is thought to create pleasurable feelings.

"It's like you put the key in a lock but don't turn it," said Phillips. "Then you break the key off so no one can use it."

In the study, the researchers gave the drug to mice that had been given a steady supply of alcohol. Mice given the drug were less likely to gesture for another drink, compared to mice that didn't receive the drug.

The effect doesn't last long -- less than an hour -- but it doesn't have to, according to the scientists.