Lead Story

The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue semaglutide reduces alcohol drinking and modulates central GABA neurotransmission 

JCI Insight

Evidence suggests that the glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) system may be involved in the neurobiology of addiction. The authors studied the impact of semaglutide, a long acting GLP-1 analogue, on alcohol use in mice and rat models and found a decrease in binge-like alcohol drinking in both mice and rats. They also found  reduced alcohol intake in rates with dependence. The proposed mechanism for this effect is modulation of central GABA neurotransmission and supports the potential role of the GLP-1 system as a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for alcohol use disorder.  

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