A NEW Swedish cohort study suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists, particularly semaglutide, could be effective in reducing alcohol-related hospitalisations. The findings indicate a potential new therapeutic avenue for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), especially among those with comorbid conditions like Type 2 diabetes and obesity, where GLP-1 agonists are already prescribed.
The study, conducted nationwide with a sample of 227,866 individuals diagnosed with AUD, spanned more than eight years and utilised extensive healthcare data to evaluate the outcomes of those using GLP-1 agonists versus periods when these individuals were not on such medications. Semaglutide, the most effective among the GLP-1 agonists studied, was associated with a marked reduction in hospitalisation risk due to AUD and other substance use disorders (SUDs), as well as somatic hospitalisations. Liraglutide, another GLP-1 agonist, was similarly beneficial, although to a slightly lesser extent.
Semaglutide users saw a 36% lower risk of AUD-related hospitalisation and a 32% lower risk of SUD-related hospitalisation. Liraglutide users also experienced reduced hospitalisation risks, though the effects were modest compared with those taking medications officially prescribed for AUD, which showed only a slight decrease in hospitalisation risk.
“The findings are promising, as they suggest that GLP-1 agonists could be repurposed for AUD treatment,” the authors noted. They stressed, however, that clinical trials are necessary to validate these observational results and ensure safety for those without diabetes or obesity.
GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide are currently approved for diabetes and weight management, but they may have untapped potential for managing AUD by reducing alcohol cravings and consumption. If future clinical trials confirm these benefits, these drugs could offer a novel treatment pathway, particularly for those with dual diagnoses.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the wider use of GLP-1 agonists, which are already hailed for their effects on weight and metabolic health. With AUD rates on the rise, these findings provide hope for more effective treatments aimed at reducing alcohol misuse and related health complications.
Reference
Lähteenvuo M et al. Repurposing semaglutide and liraglutide for alcohol use disorder. JAMA Psychiatry. 2024;DOI:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.3599.
