GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, originally developed to treat diabetes and now widely used for weight loss, may have another application: reducing alcohol cravings, according to new research.
Scientists at the University of Colorado conducted a small randomised trial using the active ingredients in Ozempic and Wegovy on people with alcohol use disorder. Participants took the drug once a day over eight weeks, according to Hungarian outlet hvg.
The study enrolled 50 people with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. Half received a placebo for eight weeks while the other half received semaglutide in varying doses.
Those taking semaglutide reported fewer heavy-drinking days than participants in the placebo group. Researchers also noted that alcohol consumption was accompanied by fewer negative consequences among those taking the GLP-1 drug.
Average daily alcohol intake did not improve significantly, and participants on semaglutide did not perform better on tests measuring alcohol cravings compared with the placebo group.
The findings suggest GLP-1 drugs could open a new area of treatment, the report said.
