Semaglutide, a Weight-Loss Medication, Shows Promise in Reducing Cocaine Use in Animal Studies

Recent scientific research has revealed that semaglutide, a drug primarily prescribed for weight loss and management of type 2 diabetes, may have potential in combating cocaine addiction. Developed and marketed under brands like Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have transformed weight management therapies. In a study published in the European Neuropsychopharmacology, researchers demonstrated that in rats, semaglutide significantly decreased cocaine-seeking behaviors.

The study involved male rats given unrestricted access to cocaine, which they could self-administer by pressing a lever. A subset of these animals received semaglutide treatment before accessing cocaine. The results showed a notable 26% reduction in cocaine self-administration among the treated rats compared to controls. Additionally, after a period of abstinence, the semaglutide-treated group exhibited a 62% decrease in cocaine-seeking activity, and their motivation to attain the drug was lowered by over half.

Scientists from the University of Gothenburg and the University of Pennsylvania, led by Professor Elisabet Jerlhag, indicate that these findings echo previous studies where semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption and cravings in both humans and animals. While these animal results are promising, further research is necessary to determine if similar effects occur in humans. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological treatments specifically for cocaine dependency, making this discovery potentially significant.

Dr. Christian Hendershot from the University of Southern California commented on the study, emphasizing the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists to treat stimulant use disorders. He noted that, given the increasing use of semaglutide for obesity and its emerging role in mental health treatments, clinical trials are warranted to investigate its application for stimulant addiction.

This research underscores the need for new therapeutic options for cocaine dependence and highlights the expanding role of GLP-1-based medications beyond weight management. The findings open avenues for future human studies to explore semaglutide's efficacy in reducing cocaine cravings and use, potentially offering a new approach to substantially impact addiction treatment.

Source: Scientific article by Cajsa Aranäs et al., European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2025.

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