Our Primary Mission

The Division of Pharmacotherapies and Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse plans and directs studies necessary to identify, evaluate, and develop medications to treat substance use disorders (SUDs). The Division develops and administers a program of basic and clinical research to develop innovative pharmacological (both chemical and biological) approaches to treat SUDs . This program is implemented through collaborations with academia, industry (pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies), and other government institutions (e.g., the Veterans Administration and the FDA). The Division also coordinates and provides leadership in the area of medical conditions associated with SUDs, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS.

The Medications Development Program of DPMCDA is unique, created by congressional mandate in 1990 to establish a program to develop medications for the treatment of heroin and cocaine dependence. This charge has been expanded to now include developing medications to treat nicotine, cannabis, methamphetamine, and prescription opioid dependence. DPMCDA funds research through grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. The Division continues to establish scientific collaborations with investigators from academic centers, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, and government agencies at both the national and international levels.