Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 diabetes drug Ozempic has shown promise in treating alcohol use disorder in a small trial. The 48-participant nine-week study found that participants who received Ozempic consumed significantly less alcohol during the second drinking session compared to the placebo group.
Researchers also observed a significant reduction in weekly alcohol cravings for those taking Ozempic, but no difference was seen in reductions in drinking days or number of drinks per day. However, when averaging only the days where alcohol was consumed, the reduction was greater in the Ozempic group. Additionally, heavy drinking days decreased over time more significantly in the Ozempic group.
The study’s findings suggest that semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic and Novo’s higher-dose weight-loss drug Wegovy, may help treat alcohol use disorder. Further research is needed, but these initial results are promising. Larger studies in broader populations are necessary to confirm these findings.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/ozempic-shows-some-promise-alcohol-use-disorder-2025-02-12