Diabetes Drugs Show Promise for Curtailing Addictive Behaviors

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, used for diabetes and weight loss, may also reduce cravings for alcohol, nicotine, and other addictive behaviors.
Animal studies show GLP-1s reduce binge drinking, alcohol relapse, and intake by 60-80%. Early human studies are promising but more research is needed.
GLP-1s are believed to work by decreasing dopamine released in the brain during indulgent behaviors like drinking and smoking.
Experts caution against off-label use for addiction until more rigorous human trials are done, which could take years.
If proven effective for addiction, uptake may still be low like with existing anti-addiction medications. But could provide added benefit for diabetes/obesity patients.

cnbc.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/1/2023

Should Ozempic come with a warning about a risk of suicidal thoughts?

Main Topic: Investigation into the potential risk of self-injury and suicidal thoughts associated with the use of Ozempic and Wegovy, drugs used to lower blood sugar and suppress appetite. Key Points: 1. Health regulators in Europe and the UK are reviewing reports of self-injury and suicidal thoughts among individuals taking Ozempic and Wegovy. 2. Clinical trials have not shown evidence of an increased risk of these side effects, but the US FDA requires a warning for weight management medications that work on the central nervous system. 3. Some patients have reported severe psychological reactions to GLP-1 receptor agonists, but doctors and clinical trials have not observed a clear trend or correlation between the drugs and these side effects.

9/24/2023

Weight Loss Drug Boom Benefits Pharma Giants But Could Hit Junk Food Industry

The rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has the potential to impact various industries, with drug manufacturers such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly expected to benefit, while medical device companies, fast-food chains, and beer and tobacco companies could be at risk.

9/28/2023

FDA Updates Ozempic Label to Warn of Intestinal Blockage Risk

The US FDA has updated the label of the diabetes drug Ozempic to include reports of blocked intestines in some users, while its sister drug Wegovy acknowledges a condition known as ileus; concerns have also been raised over the development of gastroparesis in some users, leading to a lawsuit against drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

9/28/2023

FDA Warns of Intestinal Blockage Risk With Popular Diabetes Drug Ozempic

The FDA has added a new warning about intestinal blockage to the labeling of the popular weight loss drug Ozempic, which is classified as a GLP-1 medication and has been associated with gastrointestinal side effects.

10/5/2023

Weight Loss Drugs Lead to Major Diet Changes and Lower Grocery Bills

The popularity and usage of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are causing a decrease in sales for snack makers as customers on these medications are cutting back on high-fat and salty treats due to appetite suppression.

10/6/2023

Anti-Diabetic Drugs Suppressing Appetite Leads to Declines in Beer and Snack Stocks

Anti-diabetic drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, known for their weight loss effects, are causing shoppers to reduce their grocery purchases, leading to stock drops for beer and snack distributors such as Nestle, Mondelez International, and Kraft Heinz.