GLP-1 Agonists for Addiction: A Novel Therapeutic Approach Toward Recovery for an Undertreated Disorder

Session Description

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone secreted by cells in the gastrointestinal tract and by neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract in the brainstem. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are approved to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Recently, there has been considerable attention to the potential role of these agents as novel therapeutics for addictive disorders.

Research suggests that these agents exhibit promising effects in reducing addictive-like behaviors across various substances, including alcohol, nicotine, stimulants, and opioids. The mechanism of action how GLP-1RAs may be beneficial in addictive disorders is not fully understood, but it may include mechanisms related to reward processing, stress, and/or satiety. Nonetheless, there is robust work in mice, rats, and non-human primates, coupled with initial human data, that support the role of GLP-1RAs in addictive disorders.

However, clinical trials are necessary to delineate safety and efficacy in people with alcohol and substance use disorders, as well to optimize dosing regimens, duration of treatment, and many other unanswered questions.

This session will bring together translational and clinical scientists that are investigating the role of GLP-1RAs in addiction disorders, including alcohol, nicotine, and opioids. Speakers will present results from rodent psychopharmacology experiments supporting the role of the GLP-1RAs in animal models of addiction, including cue-induced alcohol and opioid-seeking and stress-induced reinstatement of substance use.

Results will be presented from phase 2 studies examining effects of GLP-1RAs on alcohol and nicotine consumption, both naturalistic and in human laboratory models, in non-treatment-seeking individuals with alcohol and tobacco use disorders, as well as on opioid craving in individuals undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder.

This session aims to provide novel insights into the clinical pharmacology of GLP1RAs on consumption and related addiction-related outcomes, as well as their potential utility as novel pharmacotherapeutics for substance use disorders.

Learning Objectives

1. Summarize current preclinical and clinical research on the role of the GLP-1 system as a potential new pharmacotherapeutic target for addictive disorders.
2. Upon completion, participants will be able to discuss the findings of clinical trials investigating GLP-1 receptor agonists for the indication of substance use disorder.
3. Understand the evidence from studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of a GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of opioid use disorder in animal models of addiction and in patients in residential treatment.

Session Schedule

Introduction
Vijay Ramchandani, PhD and Susan Learned, MD, PharmD, PhD

Potential Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders: Recent Findings
Lorenzo Leggio, MD, PhD

Phase II Clinical Trials of Semaglutide for Reducing Alcohol Use and Cigarette Smoking
Michael Bremmer

Treatment With the GLP-1R Agonist, Liraglutide, Reduces Responding for Opioids in Rats and Humans
Scott Bunce, PhD

Panel Discussion and Q&A