Semaglutide may prevent alcohol-use disorder relapse: study

Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has garnered attention for its clinical successes, which extend beyond weight loss. Recent data indicates that the drug can reduce mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and earlier findings highlighted its ability to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. A new study now suggests semaglutide might also benefit those suffering from alcohol-use disorder (AUD).

The study, carried out by researchers from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, was published in Nature Communications. It involved a retrospective analysis of electronic health records from nearly 90,000 patients with obesity and over 620,000 patients with type 2 diabetes. The patients were categorized based on whether they had a prior diagnosis of AUD. The study found that across both groups, those treated with semaglutide had a significantly lower risk of developing or experiencing recurrent AUD diagnoses during a 12-month follow-up period. Specifically, in patients with obesity, semaglutide was linked to a 50%-56% reduction in AUD risk compared to other anti-obesity treatments.

This research was inspired by preclinical data and anecdotal evidence suggesting that GLP-1 receptor agonists could assist patients with AUD. An earlier study on animals indicated that semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption and relapse in alcohol-dependent rodents. Additionally, some patients on semaglutide have reported a decreased urge to drink. Researchers theorize that the drug's potential benefits for AUD patients may stem from its modulation of the brain's dopamine system, which is involved in the "reward" effects that drive alcohol consumption.

Despite the promising findings, the authors of the study emphasized the necessity of a randomized clinical trial to confirm these results. Novo Nordisk, known for its proactive approach, is likely to continue exploring semaglutide's potential benefits beyond its current indications for diabetes and obesity.

In conclusion, while semaglutide's primary use has been for managing diabetes and obesity-related conditions, emerging evidence suggests it could play a role in treating alcohol-use disorder. The retrospective study offers a promising outlook, but further research, particularly randomized clinical trials, will be essential to validate these findings and fully understand the drug's potential in this new therapeutic area.