A new study from Scripps Research, published on June 30, 2026, in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, found that an anti-inflammatory molecule already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating autoimmune diseases significantly reduced excessive alcohol consumption in female mice. The molecule, known as tofacitinib, is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers observed that female mice with a history of heavy alcohol drinking consumed about 40% less alcohol after receiving tofacitinib, compared to a control group. The effect was specific to female mice; male mice did not show a significant reduction. The study suggests that the drug may work by reducing neuroinflammation in brain regions linked to reward and addiction.
Lead author Dr. Marisa Roberto, a professor of neuroscience at Scripps Research, stated, 'These findings open the door to repurposing existing anti-inflammatory drugs for alcohol use disorder, particularly in women, who have been underrepresented in addiction research.' The team plans to conduct further studies to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical applications in humans.
