They’re tapping into the potential of Ozempic.
Researchers from Loyola College Chicago are including to the rising proof suggesting that drugs like Ozempic can deal with substance abuse.
Ozempic — which mimics the physique’s naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone to make folks really feel full and eat much less — treats diabetes and may spur weight reduction.
The brand new research has discovered that opioid use dysfunction sufferers taking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic had a 40% decrease price of opioid overdose than these with out a prescription.
Individuals with alcohol use dysfunction lower their price of intoxication in half with a GLP-1, the researchers decided.
The findings had been revealed Thursday within the scientific journal Dependancy.
The research authors famous that previous analysis exploring the impact of GLP-1 medicine on substance abuse has primarily been carried out via animal research and small-scale medical trials.
The brand new research concerned 1.3 million individuals, together with 13,700 taking Ozempic or an identical drug.
An estimated 6.1 million People 12 and older reported having OUD in 2022, whereas 28.9 million just lately admitted to having AUD.
The Put up reached out to Danish pharmaceutical large Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic and its sister drug, Wegovy, for remark.
The US Meals and Drug Administration accepted Ozempic in 2017 to deal with Kind 2 diabetes in adults and Wegovy in 2021 for grownup weight reduction.
All these drugs work together with the mesolimbic system — a significant reward middle within the mind that overlaps with the mind processes that govern addictive behaviors.
The researchers stated that GLP-1 medicine could alter the reward-response pathways linked to substance use.
Las Vegas mother and actual property agent Christie Martin instructed “Good Morning America” final 12 months that she misplaced her want to drink after getting Ozempic injections.
“I’ve no want to drink wine anymore,” she shared. “And that’s loopy to me as a result of I couldn’t cease earlier than.”
As Ozempic has exploded in recognition, researchers have been finding out different situations Ozempic might deal with, reminiscent of coronary heart illness and pores and skin illnesses.
