OSU Tulsa Researchers Explore Potential Of Diabetes Drug To Reduce Alcohol Addiction

OSU researchers are studying how a popular diabetes and weight loss drug could also help people who are addicted to alcohol.

Researchers from OSU have set up the Semaglutide Therapy for Alcohol Reduction, or STAR, study. The study measures changes in alcohol consumption and brain activity.

OSU Pharmacology and Physiology Professor, Kyle Simmons, is running the trial from the Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and neuroscience in Tulsa.

Simmons said the study will analyze 80 people over 12 weeks who are abusing alcohol, or who are alcohol dependent. Participants will get weekly injections of either the drug or a placebo.

Simmons said there is a need for another drug because only 2-percent of patients who are candidates for alcohol abuse disorder receive medications.

He said many times people turn down the medicine because of side effects.

Simmons said there are currently three drugs and adding a fourth can help people live healthier and happier lives.

“Here we have, Ozempic and Semaglutide, a medication that’s FDA approved. Lots of people are taking it now. And it might present another pharmacotherapy another medication alternative that might help patients,” Simmons said.

It could take almost 18 months to complete the study. Simmons said they are looking for more participants.