A recent U.S.-based clinical trial has revealed that Ozempic – a drug produced by the danish Novo Nordisk and primarily known for its use in treating diabetes and obesity – may also help reduce heavy drinking and alcohol cravings in individuals with alcohol-use disorder. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, offers encouraging evidence for a new therapeutic avenue against alcohol abuse.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a medication developed by Novo Nordisk. It is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by imitating the natural hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps the body control blood sugar and reduces appetite. Ozempic is usually given as a once-weekly injection, and its ability to promote weight loss has made it popular in metabolic health treatments.
How Ozempic may help treat alcohol addiction
The trial involved 48 participants diagnosed with moderate alcohol-use disorder. Researchers administered Ozempic (or its counterpart Wegovy) once a week and observed that participants drank fewer alcoholic beverages per day and felt less craving for alcohol.
Unlike earlier studies that mostly depended on personal accounts or general observations, this research provides scientifically controlled evidence on the effects of semaglutide—a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist—on alcohol consumption.
Key findings of the clinical study
- Reduction in alcohol craving: Participants experienced marked decreases in their urge to drink.
- Decrease in drinking frequency: The number of drinks per drinking day was significantly lower compared to baseline measurements.
- Potential dual benefits: While Ozempic is established in the management of diabetes and obesity, its impact on alcohol use disorder could signal a dual therapeutic potential.
These early results suggest that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, might be repurposed to address alcohol abuse issues, pending further research.
Expert opinions
In discussing the outcomes, lead author Christian Hendershot from the University of Southern California stated,
“We hoped to see a reduction in drinking and craving. What I didn’t expect was the magnitude of the effects looks fairly good … compared to other alcohol-use disorder medications.”
Stephen Burgess from Cambridge University commented on the study’s significance, describing it as a small “but an exciting one.” He further added,
“This study serves as an initial indication that semaglutide and similar weight-loss drugs may be beneficial for treating alcohol use disorder, at least in the short term.”
Both experts emphasized that while the findings are promising, larger and longer-term studies are necessary to determine if the positive effects can be sustained after treatment cessation.
Implications for future research
The promising results from this small-scale trial pave the way for more extensive clinical studies to verify and expand upon these findings. If subsequent research confirms the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for reducing alcohol abuse, healthcare providers could see a new class of medications available for treating alcohol-use disorder. This development not only has potential implications for patient care but also positions Novo Nordisk as a key player in expanding the therapeutic applications of its products beyond traditional metabolic disorders.
The integration of geographic and corporate insights underscores the global significance of the study. Novo Nordisk, headquartered in Denmark, continues to lead in innovation within the pharmaceutical industry, and this research may mark a significant shift in how weight-loss drugs are perceived and utilized in treating complex health issues like alcohol dependency.
