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Another study indicates that blockbuster GLP-1 drugs may provide health benefits beyond diabetes and weight loss. Recent research suggests that these drugs could significantly reduce addictive behaviors. For instance, Novo Nordisk’s popular diabetes injection Ozempic has been found to potentially cut drug and alcohol abuse by about half, as per a new study published in the scientific journal Addiction. This implies that Ozempic and similar medications might emerge as a new treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorder.
The study authors noted that this research not only contributes to the evolving landscape of substance use therapy but also paves the way for more comprehensive and effective treatment strategies for individuals affected by these disorders.
The significance of this finding lies in the need for more tools to combat the ongoing U.S. opioid epidemic, which was declared a public health emergency in 2017. In 2021, an estimated 2.5 million adults in the U.S. had opioid use disorder, yet only 22% received medications for treatment. Opioids are involved in approximately 72% of overdose deaths in the U.S. Additionally, nearly 29 million individuals aged 12 and above had alcohol use disorder in the past year, with excessive alcohol use being the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.
The Loyola University Chicago researchers analyzed electronic health data from over 500,000 individuals with a history of opioid use disorder, including 8,000 who were taking GLP-1s or similar treatments like GIPs. Those taking GLP-1s or GIPs had a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose, and a similar analysis involving over 5,000 people with a history of alcohol use disorder showed a 50% lower rate of intoxication among those taking these treatments.
The results align with previous studies demonstrating the potential of GLP-1s and GIPs in reducing substance-seeking behaviors and treating various conditions such as kidney failure, fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. While more research is likely needed to confirm these findings, researchers have called for additional clinical trials to validate the treatment benefits of drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
Stay tuned for further coverage on research developments in this area. For any tips, suggestions, story ideas, or data, feel free to contact Annika at annikakim.constantino@nbcuni.com.
Reporting live from Las Vegas, this is Ashley. I’ve been at the HLTH health-care technology conference, where industry leaders, including Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Google, and over 12,000 others, gathered this year. This was my second time attending, and despite the irony of navigating smoke-filled casinos to discuss the future of health care, it provides valuable insights into the industry’s technological interests.
Generative AI was a dominant topic of discussion, focusing more on practical, near-term applications rather than theoretical potential. The industry’s seriousness about AI was evident, with providers seeking tools that deliver tangible returns in terms of cost-savings and efficiency. There is a growing demand for guidance on evaluating and implementing the multitude of solutions flooding the market, while investors are scrutinizing the viability of business models for health-care AI companies.
AI’s potential to alleviate the burden of documentation on healthcare professionals, a major contributor to industry burnout, was a key focus. Companies like Microsoft, Google, GE HealthCare, and Amazon introduced new tools to address this issue. Additionally, AI agents and tools to streamline clinical trials for patients were discussed, indicating a broadening scope of AI applications in healthcare.
While AI won’t revolutionize the industry overnight, the pace of innovation is accelerating, a notable shift in an industry traditionally slow to adopt new technologies. Providers, tech giants, and startups are optimistic about AI’s future role in healthcare and are actively leveraging its capabilities.
For any tips, suggestions, story ideas, or data, you can reach out to Ashley at ashley.capoot@nbcuni.com.
