Research published in the 2025 issue of the Journal of Neuropharmacology investigated a new molecule called MCH11, which may help treat alcohol addiction.
The compound works by inhibiting an enzyme called MAGL, which is responsible for breaking down a natural substance in the brain, 2-AG – an endocannabinoid involved in regulating pleasure and anxiety. By blocking this enzyme, MCH11 increases the action of 2-AG and directly affects the reward system, the same system that is affected by alcohol.
Tests were conducted on male and female mice. The researchers noted that after applying the molecule, there was a significant reduction in alcohol consumption and preference.
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Furthermore, the animals showed less motivation to drink when given a choice between water and alcohol. In some cases, when MCH11 was combined with the drug topiramate – already used to treat alcoholism – the effect was even more severe.
Before evaluating the effect on consumption, scientists tested the safety of the molecule. They found that MCH11 did not affect locomotion or impair the animals’ memory or cognitive behavior. Conversely, it provided mild anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, as well as reducing impulsivity, properties that are important for a potential treatment of addiction.
Molecular analysis showed that the compound changed the expression of genes related to dopamine and the endocannabinoid system in brain regions associated with pleasure and addiction. These changes suggest that MCH11 may directly interfere with how the brain responds to alcohol.
One of the most interesting results of the study is that the effects differ depending on the sex of the animals. Males and females responded differently to this substance, both in behavior and in the brain changes observed.
This reinforces the importance of taking into account biological differences between men and women when developing new drugs against alcoholism. The authors state that MCH11 is still in the experimental phase and needs to go through new research phases before it can be tested in humans.
However, research shows that regulating the endocannabinoid system could be a promising strategy for reducing alcohol consumption and preventing relapse, paving the way for more personalized treatments in the future.
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