Researchers in Allegheny County are planning a $13.3 million clinical trial to study whether semaglutide, the drug sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, could help treat alcohol and opioid addiction.
The Center for Addiction Science, Policy and Research (CASPR) and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services expect to launch the study in early 2027 and will enroll up to 1,200 adults with alcohol and/or opioid use disorder. Half of the participants will be randomly assigned to receive semaglutide weekly for 52 weeks.
Semaglutide is classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which is primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes and manage weight. Emerging research suggests these medications also could influence cravings and behaviors associated with substance use…