A major international clinical trial is underway to investigate whether the widely used weight-loss medication, Ozempic, can also serve as a treatment for alcohol addiction and help halt the progression of alcohol-related liver disease. This condition is increasingly recognized as one of Australia’s most pressing health issues. Sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, the study involves around 240 patients across Europe, the United States, and seven sites in Australia.
Investigating New Drug Combinations
The trial is examining various combinations of three medications: semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), cagrilintide, and a FGF21 analogue. These drugs target pathways related to appetite, cravings, and liver-cell inflammation. Professor Paul Haber, who leads the Australian segment of the trial, emphasized the dual focus on managing alcohol dependence while addressing the severe liver damage it can cause.
“These are three protein drugs in various combinations that interact with the appetite, the craving for alcohol, and actually also interact with the cellular damage pathways in the liver,”
Professor Haber stated in an exclusive interview. He expressed optimism about the trial, noting that early results are encouraging. “The trial has shown that patients lose weight, and at least in some of our patients, they are showing signs of reducing their alcohol use,” he added.
The primary aim of the trial is to determine whether these medications can improve liver inflammation and fibrosis, which are precursors to serious conditions such as cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure. Professor Haber believes the potential impact of these medications could be transformative, stating, “Throughout my career, we had no specific treatment for patients with both alcohol problems, overweight, or liver damage.”
Addressing a Growing Health Crisis
Professor Haber noted that the focus is on high-risk individuals, particularly those suffering from alcohol-related liver disease, a condition that has been rising as the Australian population ages. The need for effective treatments is underscored by alarming statistics regarding alcohol dependency in Australia. According to April Long, CEO of SMART Recovery Australia, “One of the biggest challenges in our country right now is alcohol dependency.” She highlighted that it typically takes individuals over twelve years to seek help for their alcohol issues.
Nigel Harpley, 48, reflects on his personal struggles with alcohol dependence, which intensified in his late thirties. After undergoing inpatient treatment, he expressed strong interest in exploring new medications like Ozempic, stating, “Absolutely, because I guess I did use some medications, and I think if the evidence shows that this helps people, it’s something that I would definitely be open to adding to the tools available.”
Long cautioned, however, about the potential financial barriers that new medications might present. She emphasized the importance of equitable access to treatment, especially for individuals facing financial difficulties. “It’s really important that any solutions are properly funded so everybody can get the support they need,” she said.
The trial includes seven treatment groups, with some participants receiving combinations of the three medications and others receiving a placebo. This design allows researchers to identify the most effective treatment approach, and the full results will be assessed once all the international data is compiled.
While the current study is a significant step forward, Professor Haber noted that it is just the beginning. Future trials are already being planned to explore whether GLP-1 medications could also reduce cravings for cigarettes and smoking rates. He anticipates a wave of new GLP-1-style medications to emerge within the next decade, stating, “I’m pretty well sure that within ten years there’ll be a range of these new drugs available.”
As the trial progresses, it holds the potential not only to redefine addiction treatment but also to pave the way for new therapeutic options originally designed for weight loss.
