The compound in question, MTIP*, blocks binding of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) to the CRF1 receptor. CRF is a major stress regulator associated with several psychiatric disorders including alcoholism.

Details of the lab rat studies can be found in J. Neurosci. 2007, 27, 2718

* MTIP – 3-(4-chloro-2-morpholin-4-yl-thiazol-5-yl)-8-(1-ethylpropyl)-2,6-dimethyl-imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine