Caixin October 17th news (Editor Zhou Ziyi) A latest study has shown, $Novo-Nordisk A/S (NVO.US)$Ozempic and similar GLP-1 pharmaceuticals can reduce patients' abuse of opioid drugs and alcohol, further proving the wide potential of GLP-1 drugs beyond treating obesity and diabetes.

This study was published on Thursday, October 17, in the journal "Addiction". The study will further explore the growing potential uses of GLP-1 and attempt to address the addiction problems of patients to opioid drugs.

Through an analysis of 0.5 million opioid drug addicts, the results show that the overdose rate of opioid drugs in patients using GLP-1 drugs, more than 8,000 patients, is 40% lower than those not taking GLP-1 drugs.

In addition, the same comparative study was also conducted on alcoholics. The research results show that among more than 5,000 alcoholics using GLP-1 drugs, this group of participants had a 50% lower alcoholism rate than those not using GLP-1.

New treatment options

The lead researcher of the paper, Fares Qeadan, Associate Professor of Biostatistics at Loyola University Chicago, pointed out that these findings provide important preliminary evidence, demonstrating a relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Ozempic) and reducing the occurrence of excessive use in opioid and alcohol addiction patients.

Qeadan explained that GLP-1 receptors can stimulate insulin production, slow down the passage of food through the stomach, and these receptors are also present in the brain system, linked to the psychological factor of "craving".

University of Sheffield's Professor of Psychology, Matt Field, pointed out that this study focuses on 'extreme cases of substance addiction', adding, 'While Ozempic may prevent people from drinking alcohol or taking opioid drugs excessively, it may not actually help them reduce their drug use or quit completely.'

At the time of this study's publication, many Americans are suffering from the pain and distress caused by excessive use of opioid drugs. Data shows that in 2023, over 810,000 people died from opioid drugs in the USA, a 3.7% decrease from the previous year.

Naloxone is currently a widely used drug for treating overdose addiction, with researchers attempting to increase its effectiveness. Qeadan points out that GLP-1 drugs may become a new treatment option, especially for those who do not respond fully to existing drugs.

Editor/ping