A significant international clinical trial has commenced to explore whether the widely used weight loss medication, Ozempic, can effectively treat alcohol addiction and halt the progression of alcohol-related liver disease. This condition has emerged as one of Australia’s most pressing health crises. Sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the study spans across Europe, the United States, and seven sites in Australia, involving approximately 240 patients worldwide.
The trial is investigating the efficacy of three medications: semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), cagrilintide, and a FGF21 analogue. These drugs target pathways associated with appetite, cravings, and liver inflammation. Leading the Australian segment of the trial, addiction and liver specialist Professor Paul Haber highlights the goal of simultaneously addressing alcohol dependence and the serious liver damage it can cause.
“These three protein drugs work in various combinations to influence appetite, cravings for alcohol, and the cellular damage pathways in the liver,” Professor Haber stated. “We believe that they can have a dual effect on reducing both alcohol and food cravings, thereby also impacting liver inflammation.”
While conclusive results are still pending, early indications are positive. According to Professor Haber, the trial has revealed that some participants are experiencing weight loss and reductions in alcohol consumption. The primary objective is to assess whether these medications can improve liver inflammation and fibrosis, which can lead to conditions such as cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure.
“The potential impact of these medications is transformative,” Haber noted. He emphasized that, historically, there have been no specific treatments for individuals grappling with alcohol issues, being overweight, or suffering from liver damage. “This is a pivotal moment as we begin to see treatments that can genuinely improve lives.”
Professor Haber clarified that these medications are not suitable for everyone. “They should not be prescribed to someone who is slightly overweight,” he explained. The focus is on individuals at heightened medical risk, particularly those with alcohol-related liver disease, which is increasingly prevalent as the Australian population ages.
One participant, Nigel Harpley, 48, has battled alcohol dependence for years, with his drinking escalating during his late thirties. “I was consuming a couple of beers and a bottle of wine several times a week,” he recounted. After seeking medical intervention and undergoing inpatient treatment, therapy, and medication, he expressed enthusiasm about the potential of Ozempic-style treatments. “Absolutely, if this had been available earlier, I would have considered it. If evidence shows that it helps, it should be part of the tools available to us.”
The urgency for innovative treatments is echoed by April Long, CEO of SMART Recovery Australia. “Alcohol dependency is a significant challenge in our country, and it often takes individuals over 12 years to seek help,” she noted. Long highlighted the broader impact of alcohol issues on families, estimating that for every individual struggling, six others are affected.
While supporting the trial’s efforts, Long emphasized the need for equitable access to these treatments. “The financial burden of drugs like Ozempic can be a barrier,” she cautioned. “It is critical that any pharmaceutical options are distributed fairly, particularly for those in difficult financial situations.” SMART Recovery Australia offers free support to individuals in need, further advocating for proper funding to ensure comprehensive access to necessary solutions.
The trial consists of seven treatment groups, with some participants receiving combinations of the three medications while others receive a placebo. This design will enable researchers to determine which combinations yield the most significant improvements in alcohol consumption, weight, and liver inflammation.
As researchers anticipate full results from the international data collection, they acknowledge that this is merely the beginning. New trials are already being planned to explore whether GLP-1 medications could also help reduce cravings for cigarettes and smoking rates. “There is a growing interest in applying these drugs to a variety of addictions,” Professor Haber confirmed, predicting a new wave of GLP-1-style medications within the next decade.
With a robust framework in place to identify the most effective treatment strategies, experts suggest that successful outcomes from this trial could revolutionize addiction treatment and open new avenues for medications initially developed for weight loss.
