Novo’s Studies of GLP-1s for Addiction Limited to Ongoing Phase II
Novo Nordisk confirmed they have no additional clinical trials of GLP-1 drugs for addiction beyond an ongoing Phase II trial5.
The Phase II trial is studying semaglutide and two other drugs (cagrilintide and NNC0194-0499) in patients with alcoholic liver disease5.
Alcohol consumption is a secondary endpoint in this trial, with liver damage treatment as the primary endpoint5.
Despite earlier reports, Novo has no plans to study their GLP-1 drugs in broader addiction indications at this time5.
There is growing interest in the potential of GLP-1 drugs to treat substance abuse disorders, but research is still in early stages5.
Competitor Eli Lilly has announced plans to begin large studies of their obesity drugs for alcohol and drug abuse treatment5.
GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) are currently approved for diabetes and weight loss, not addiction treatment5.
Preclinical studies have shown promise for GLP-1 drugs in reducing alcohol intake and motivation to consume alcohol1011.
The mechanism may involve centrally-mediated effects on reward pathways and dopamine signaling1011.
More research is needed to establish the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 drugs for addiction treatment13.
Sources:
1. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Are-GLP-1-Drugs-the-Future-of-Alcohol-Addiction-Treatment.aspx
3. https://www.goodrx.com/classes/glp-1-agonists/glp-1-trends
5. https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/novos-studies-of-glp-1s-for-addiction-limited-to-ongoing-phase-ii
10. https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/166/4/bqaf028/8029141
11. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2825650