Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of the weight-loss drug Zepbound (tirzepatide), will begin clinical trials next year to study its effectiveness in treating alcohol, nicotine, and drug addiction. This marks a significant step as it is the first major pharmaceutical company to specifically investigate GLP-1 receptor agonists for substance use disorders.
Targeting Addiction Through Anti-Hedonic Effects
According to Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks, Zepbound and similar medications may have "anti-hedonic" effects, reducing the desire cycle associated with addictive behaviors. Speaking at The Economic Club of Washington D.C., Ricks stated, "These medicines, we think and we’ve aimed to prove, can be useful for other things we don’t think about connected to weight... Next year, you’ll see Lilly start large studies in alcohol abuse and nicotine use, even in drug abuse."
Emerging Evidence and Retrospective Studies
The decision to initiate these trials is supported by a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between GLP-1 drugs and reduced substance use. Retrospective studies have found associations between GLP-1 treatments and lower risks of alcohol and opioid abuse. Researchers propose that the mesolimbic system, which plays a role in both appetite regulation and addictive behaviors, may be modulated by these medications.
One study highlighted the overlap between the mesolimbic system and the brain processes influencing addictive behaviors, suggesting that GLP-1 drugs may "modulate the reward-response pathways associated with substance use."
Industry-Wide Interest and Ongoing Research
While Eli Lilly is the first to launch dedicated clinical trials for addiction treatment, competitor Novo Nordisk is also exploring the potential of GLP-1 drugs in this area. Novo Nordisk has incorporated alcohol consumption measurements into its ongoing trial of GLP-1 drugs for alcohol-related liver disease.
Patient Experiences and Survey Data
Anecdotal evidence from patients and healthcare providers also suggests that GLP-1 drugs can help curb addictions. A Morgan Stanley survey of approximately 300 GLP-1 users (including those taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound) found a reduction in tobacco consumption. Before starting GLP-1 treatment, 40% of respondents smoked cigarettes weekly, which decreased to 24% after starting treatment. Similarly, weekly e-cigarette usage dropped from 30% to 16%.
Analysts caution against drawing definitive conclusions from survey data alone, emphasizing the need for rigorous clinical trials to establish a causal link between GLP-1 drugs and changes in addictive behaviors. However, these initial findings, combined with the planned clinical trials, represent a promising avenue for addressing substance use disorders.
