Abdelrahman
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Novo Nordisk‘s highly acclaimed diabetes medication, Ozempic, may also contribute to reduced alcohol consumption among users.
This claim is supported by a recent government-funded study published in JAMA Psychiatry last week.
Although the study involved only 48 adults over two months, it represents the first clinical trial validating that GLP-1 medications could potentially mitigate the risks of excessive alcohol consumption. Prior analyses of observational data and various animal studies have hinted at this association.
These results could have significant implications for individuals grappling with alcohol-use disorder, a condition characterized by an inability to cease drinking despite health and safety risks. Nearly 30 million people in the U.S. are affected by this issue, encompassing labels commonly associated with it like alcohol abuse, dependence, or alcoholism, as noted in the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Alcohol-related issues account for approximately 2.6 million fatalities annually and increase the likelihood of developing various diseases, including different types of cancer, as stated by the study’s authors. Currently, three medications are approved for treating alcohol-use disorder, but a minor percentage of affected individuals receive adequate treatment.
This emerging evidence adds to the mounting support that GLP-1s, including Ozempic and its weight-loss alternative Wegovy, can assist users in managing cravings, not just for food and alcohol.
Initial research indicates that these drugs might also suppress cravings for smoking, opioid misuse, gambling, and excessive shopping by inhibiting activity in the brain’s reward pathways. GLP-1s imitate hormones produced in the gastrointestinal tract to control appetite and stabilize blood sugar levels.
However, comprehensive and extended studies are necessary to further corroborate the impact of these medications on addictive behaviors.
Delving into the particulars: Researchers enlisted participants aged 21 to 65 who exhibited signs of alcohol-use disorder but were not in active treatment. Individuals with diabetes or prior use of GLP-1 or other weight-loss drugs were excluded from the trial.
Participants spent two hours in a controlled setting where their preferred alcoholic drinks were available—one session was held prior to starting the medication and another afterward to assess changes. About half received low doses of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, while the other half received placebo injections weekly for nine weeks.
Throughout the study, participants reported their drinking patterns and cravings for alcohol.
The results indicated that Ozempic reduced weekly alcohol cravings, decreased the average number of drinks consumed on drinking occasions, and led to a significant reduction in heavy drinking days compared to the placebo group. Notably, the effectiveness of Ozempic in mitigating various drinking outcomes surpassed what typically occurs with existing pharmacotherapies aimed at decreasing alcohol cravings.
By the second month of the study, individuals who received Ozempic were consuming an average of 30% less on drinking days compared to only a 2% reduction in the placebo group. Almost 40% of those on Ozempic reported no heavy drinking days during the second month of treatment, whereas only 20% in the placebo group shared this benefit.
The authors of the study highlighted that they employed the two lowest clinical doses of semaglutide in their research. They noted that higher doses may produce even greater reductions in alcohol consumption.
“These findings highlight the potential of semaglutide and similar therapies to address a significant need in treating alcohol use disorder,” stated Klara Klein, senior author from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, in a statement. “Further extensive studies in more diverse populations are essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of safety and efficacy in individuals with alcohol use disorder, yet these initial results are encouraging.”
A small subset of smokers also displayed a notable reduction in daily cigarette consumption when using Ozempic compared to the placebo group, indicating the drug’s potential impact on both alcohol and nicotine dependency.
Eli Lilly aims to research whether its weight-loss medications can mitigate addictive behaviors related to alcohol and drugs, with large-scale clinical trials anticipated to start in 2025.
For tips, suggestions, or story ideas, reach out to Annika at annikakim.constantino@nbcuni.com.
Current Trends in Healthcare Technology: Primary Care Physicians Raise Concerns About GLP-1 Access Through Third-Party Telehealth Services
A box of Ozempic and its components displayed on a table in Dudley, North Tyneside, Britain, on October 31, 2023.
George Frey | Reuters
As the demand for popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications has surged, many patients have turned to digital health platforms such as Hims & Hers, Ro, Sesame, and Noom for access to these drugs. However, primary care providers are expressing reservations about this practice.
Last week, metabolic health startup Omada conducted a survey of over 2,000 primary care doctors, revealing their apprehensions regarding GLP-1 treatments and related care protocols. A significant majority of physicians expressed concern regarding the involvement of third-party telehealth providers.
Fewer than 20% of the surveyed doctors indicated they would feel comfortable with patients obtaining GLP-1 prescriptions through these third-party services. Additionally, around two-thirds acknowledged that such access could potentially jeopardize patient health.
“That was surprising; I didn’t anticipate such a high percentage,” remarked Omada President Wei-Li Shao in an interview with CNBC.
While Omada does not prescribe GLP-1 medications, the organization provides a supportive program for those currently using these treatments. They also focus on helping patients sustain their weight loss if they choose to discontinue the drugs.
Survey results illustrated that primary care physicians primarily worry about two aspects related to third-party telehealth providers: the risk of overprescribing and the potential disruption in continuity of care. Specifically, they are concerned that patients could obtain these medications inappropriately and might lack adequate support through necessary follow-ups.
Furthermore, many participating doctors expressed uncertainty about the use of compounded GLP-1 alternatives, custom-made to fit individual patient needs. These compounded medications can serve as substitutes when brand-name products face shortages.
Though the FDA does not evaluate the safety and effectiveness of compounded drugs, these solutions may be beneficial for patients contending with supply issues and inconsistent insurance coverage.
Approximately 45% of physicians in the study concluded that compounded GLP-1s are not a sustainable long-term solution yet acknowledged their usefulness in addressing current shortages. Meanwhile, 30% of respondents were either comfortable or strongly in favor of prescribing compounded GLP-1s.
“Patients seeking solutions often find themselves confused,” Shao said. “Our recommendation is to consult with your primary care physician, who knows your medical history, treatment history, and health goals, to collaboratively determine the most suitable course of action.”
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Healthcare Plans Address Rising Costs of New Sickle Cell Gene Therapies
It has been just over a year since the FDA approved gene therapies for sickle cell disease. However, the launch and application of these innovative drugs to treat patients at scale is still in the early stages.
With more than half of individuals with sickle cell disease reliant on Medicaid, expanding coverage for these therapies may prove challenging. States are already dealing with high medical expenditures in their partnership with the federal government and are preparing for potential budget cuts from Congress. Similarly, private insurers are grappling with increased medical costs.
CVS Health CEO David Joyner informed me that both private and public health plans are exploring new strategies to manage the expenses associated with groundbreaking gene therapies.
If you have suggestions, tips, or story ideas, please reach out to Bertha at bertha.coombs@nbcuni.com.
