Study: Ozempic may benefit alcohol misusers

A study by the North Carolina School of Medicine indicates possible benefits of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic for patients with alcohol misuse, Reuters reports based on findings published in Jama Psychiatry. In a trial involving 48 participants over nine weeks, those treated with weekly Ozempic experienced less alcohol craving and had fewer heavy drinking days compared to the placebo group. The study, led by Klara Klein, suggests that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and weight loss medication Wegovy, could address an unmet need in alcohol abuse treatment. Klein advocates for expanded trials with more participants and longer durations, as initial results are highly promising. Semaglutide is also being researched for its effects on sleep apnea and cardiovascular diseases.