Weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy, originally developed for obesity and diabetes, are now being explored for their potential in treating a range of other conditions, including addiction, Alzheimer's, and heart disease. The unexpected benefits are attributed to the drugs' mechanism of action on pleasure pathways in the brain.
Dr. Mo Sarhan, along with his colleague Steven Klein, has been prescribing GLP-1 receptor agonists to treat addictions in approximately 75 patients, alongside traditional therapies. According to Dr. Sarhan, the results have been "compelling", with patients experiencing reduced cravings for opioids and alcohol.
Pharmaceutical Companies Investigate New Applications
Eli Lilly's chief executive, Dave Ricks, announced that the company would begin large studies of GLP-1s in alcohol, nicotine, and drug abuse. This marks the first time a major pharmaceutical group has undertaken such research, signaling a significant investment in exploring the broader therapeutic potential of these drugs.
Mechanism of Action and Clinical Evidence
While GLP-1s are not yet clinically approved for addiction treatment, preliminary studies suggest they reduce cravings by acting on pleasure pathways in the brain, similar to how they dampen appetite. This mechanism could offer a novel approach to treating addiction by targeting the underlying neurological processes that drive cravings.
Growing Market and Future Potential
The potential for broader uses of GLP-1 drugs is driving significant market growth. Worldwide, over 1 billion people are classified as obese, according to research published in The Lancet, with rates doubling for adults and quadrupling for children and adolescents between 1990 and 2022. Goldman Sachs analysts anticipate a $130 billion market for these drugs by 2030, fueled by their potential to address a wide range of conditions linked to excess weight and other underlying mechanisms. According to data provider Airfinity, there are 66 ongoing, late-stage trials of GLP-1 drugs for obesity, diabetes and a range of other conditions linked to excess weight.
