A medication already widely used for type 2 diabetes and weight management may offer a novel approach to treating alcohol apply disorder. New research indicates that tirzepatide, the active ingredient in the drug Mounjaro, significantly reduces alcohol intake and relapse-like behaviors in animal models. The findings, published in the journal eBioMedicine, suggest a potential new avenue for developing treatments for a condition affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden have been at the forefront of investigating the potential of this class of drugs. Previous studies demonstrated that semaglutide, found in Ozempic and Wegovy, also reduced alcohol consumption in rats. This latest study expands on those findings, focusing specifically on tirzepatide and its effects on both male and female animals.
The study revealed that voluntary alcohol consumption decreased by more than half in animals treated with tirzepatide. Importantly, the drug also appeared to prevent relapse-like drinking patterns. After a period of abstinence, the animals did not exhibit the increased alcohol seeking behavior typically observed, but instead showed a continued reduction in consumption compared to baseline levels. “We observed clear and robust reductions in long-term alcohol consumption, binge-like drinking, and relapse-like drinking in both male and female animals,” said Christian Edvardsson, a doctoral student in pharmacology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.
How Tirzepatide Impacts the Brain’s Reward System
Tirzepatide is unique in its mechanism of action, functioning as a dual agonist at receptors for the satiety hormones GIP and GLP-1. Its established safety profile, due to its widespread use in treating type 2 diabetes, could expedite future research into its potential application for alcohol use disorder. The researchers discovered that tirzepatide lessened the effects of alcohol on dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter involved in the brain’s reward system and a key contributor to alcohol’s addictive properties.
This effect appears to be centered in the lateral septum, a brain region known to play a role in motivation, reward, and relapse in both animals and humans. The findings provide a potential neurobiological explanation for earlier observations that similar medications can reduce alcohol consumption and cravings. Further analysis revealed changes in histone-related proteins within the lateral septum, which influence gene expression. These alterations have previously been linked to substance use and addiction, although the study emphasizes that these changes don’t necessarily cause the reduction in alcohol consumption, but rather may be part of the broader biological mechanisms affected by tirzepatide.
Future Research and Potential Treatment Options
The research was a collaborative effort between the University of Gothenburg and the Medical University of South Carolina, combining behavioral tests with detailed measurements of neurotransmitter levels and molecular analyses. “What we have is not yet a new treatment for alcohol use disorder,” emphasized Elisabet Jerlhag Holm, Professor of Pharmacology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. “But the findings reinforce the view that drugs targeting these neural systems may be relevant to investigate further as potential treatment options.”
Whereas promising, it’s crucial to remember that these findings are based on animal studies. Further research, including clinical trials in humans, is necessary to determine the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide as a treatment for alcohol use disorder. However, the current study provides a strong rationale for exploring this potential therapeutic avenue.
The growing understanding of the brain’s role in addiction, coupled with the repurposing of existing medications like tirzepatide, offers hope for developing more effective treatments for alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders. Researchers will continue to investigate the specific mechanisms by which tirzepatide influences brain activity and its potential to address the complex challenges of addiction.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
What are your thoughts on the potential of repurposing existing medications to treat addiction? Share your comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might find it helpful.
