Researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden have found that a medication typically used for managing both type 2 diabetes and obesity also leads to a reduction of voluntary ethanol intake by 30–50% and averts binge drinking in individuals with alcoholism, stated Kira Zaslavskaya, a pharmacologist and Director of New Products at the domestic pharmaceutical company “Promomed,” in an interview with “Gazeta.Ru.”
Existing therapeutic approaches for alcohol use disorder have proven to be largely ineffective; patients often discontinue treatment, and relapses occur in over half of the cases.
“New experimental findings point to incretin-class medications, particularly tirzepatide, as a promising avenue for correcting alcohol-related disorders. Tirzepatide, functioning as a dual agonist for GIP and GLP-1 receptors, exerts a direct neurobiological influence on the brain’s reward system. Preclinical studies conducted on rodents revealed a spectrum of effects that had not previously been associated with this class of drugs. Administration of tirzepatide significantly attenuated the subjective experience of alcohol,” the expert explained.
According to Zaslavskaya, the test animals ceased to perceive the intoxicating effects of alcohol. The drug decreased voluntary ethanol consumption in a dose-dependent manner by 30–50% and prevented what is termed heavy episodic drinking.
“Tirzepatide inhibits the alcohol-induced surge of dopamine. To put it simply, the medication switches off the neurochemical ‘reward’ that drives the brain to seek another dose. Furthermore, it reduces liver triglyceride content and lowers the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFα, thereby addressing complications that invariably accompany chronic alcohol intoxication,” Zaslavskaya observed.
The Swedish scientists are now preparing to commence human trials, with expected publication of the results set for August 31st. Alcoholism remains a significant public health challenge in Russia, yet no trials involving this substance are currently underway in the country.
“For Russia, where the burden of alcohol-associated diseases remains among the highest globally, and where the comorbidity of addiction with obesity and metabolic syndrome is increasing, this area of research could transition from mere scientific curiosity to a strategic imperative. Nevertheless, a considerable journey lies ahead before clinical implementation. However, the very fact that a molecule already approved by regulatory bodies and utilized by millions of patients demonstrates a fundamentally novel, nature-mimicking (since the drug imitates the action of our own internal regulators) mechanism in treating alcohol dependence offers hope of recovery to millions,” the specialist concluded.
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