17 May 2012 Tests begin on new drink-busting drug

Yale University researchers are hypothesising that the drug iomazenil, when taken before drinking, can weaken some of the effects of alcohol on the brain.

According to a recent pilot study conducted by the researchers, the effects of alcohol on those people who took iomazenil caused people to stay sober for longer.

The drug is believed to block receptors in the brain that process alcohol. If it turns out that the drug does block or slow the effect of alcohol in getting people drunk, it could pave the way for a pill for alcoholics and binge drinkers fighting their affliction.

“A medication that has the potential to block alcohol actions in the central nervous system could act as a unique medication in the treatment of alcohol intoxication and alcoholism,” Yale researcher Deepak D’Souza told the Daily Telegraph. “Alcohol is abused commonly but there is no remedy for alcohol intoxication.”

Source: The Independent