The pharmaceutical company that makes Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, is set to investigate further how the medication might lessen people's craving for alcohol. Not just alcohol, some of the users reported that it reduces their use of their vapes, which contain nicotine. The active ingredient in Ozempic, Semaglutide, will be subjected to a 28-week study by the company to investigate its effects on alcohol intake and other factors.
According to a statement from Novo Nordisk, this new experiment will mainly examine whether semaglutide can improve and promote liver health by minimizing elevated hepatic fibrosis or scarring. Variations in alcohol intake will also be observed as a secondary endpoint.
A Growing Body of Personal Evidence
Numerous patient reports indicating a decreased desire to drink alcohol while taking Ozempic led to the decision to research this further. Many patients have reported less of a thirst for alcohol, according to Ania Jastreboff, M.D., Ph.D., a physician-scientist at Yale University specializing in obesity medicine. "Some patients report that they have less desire to drink alcohol. For example, they used to drink a couple of glasses of wine, now they'll drink half a glass," she explained.
According to a government database, the trial is set to start on May 20 and hopes to enroll 240 people. Although liver health is the main emphasis, alcohol consumption is included as a secondary outcome to highlight the substantial unmet medical need in treating alcohol-related liver disease.
Dr. Steven Batash, a board-certified gastroenterologist and weight-loss expert, explained that GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, impact dopamine release in the brain. This effect can reduce the pleasure derived from activities like drinking alcohol. He noted that when GLP-1s diminish that pleasure, they also eliminate the motivation to engage in those activities.
For many users, like Cheri Ferguson, who reported a diminished desire to drink alcohol and use her vape pen while on Ozempic, the drug's effects extend beyond weight loss. "It's like someone's just come along and switched the light on," she said. This phenomenon is echoed by many others taking GLP-1 receptor agonists.
A Step Towards Comprehensive Treatment
The latest research from Novo Nordisk is an essential step toward better comprehending and maybe expanding the uses of semaglutide. This study of alcohol use can be a door opener for more treatment of alcohol use disorder, even though liver health is the primary goal of the study.
The pharmaceutical company has historically had some luck developing new drugs for addiction, especially alcoholism. However, Novo Nordisk's research in this field may offer desperately needed therapeutic alternatives. Christian Hendershot, an assistant professor at Chapel Hill's Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, emphasized the need for further therapies. He noted that those working in this area view this development as a step in the right direction.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a diabetes drug now popular for weight loss. It's a synthetic version of the hormone GLP-1, enhancing insulin production and signaling the brain to stop eating. Approved by the FDA for weight loss under the name Wegovy, it's typically injected weekly. Besides reducing appetite, it might also decrease cravings for alcohol and tobacco. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rare severe conditions. Insurance often covers it for type 2 diabetes or significant obesity with related health issues.
As Novo Nordisk moves forward with this trial, the medical community remains hopeful that the findings will lead to new, effective treatments for alcohol-related liver diseases and beyond.
Check out more news and information on Ozempic in Science Times.
