Obesity drugs enter clinical trials for alcoholism and depression

GLP-1 obesity drugs are moving into new psychiatric and neurological targets, with multiple clinical trials now exploring their potential for alcohol use disorder, depression and Parkinson’s disease. In a report published in Nature on the 14th (local time), companies are developing next-generation GLP-1 candidates designed to reach the brain more effectively or last longer in the body. Semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) are already being studied after reports of reduced interest in alcohol and cigarettes among users. Previous trials led by Christian Hendershot and others found lower alcohol cravings and binge frequency with semaglutide. Eli Lilly is developing brenipatide, with a 9–12 day half-life, longer than approved GLP-1 drugs.