Semaglutid is sold in trade, for example Ozempic and Wegovy, with the purpose of treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, according to research at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, the substance may also become useful for helping cocaine addicts.
In experiments on rats, it was shown that semaglutid reduced the rats' intake of cocaine, motivation to continue with the drug, and also reduced the risk of relapse.
The hypothesis is that the substance affects the reward system, says Cajsa Aranäs, who is the main author of the study.
The dopamine increase that occurs when cocaine is administered decreases with semaglutid. Thus, the reward effect also decreases.
According to Cajsa Aranäs, more research is needed before it can become relevant to use semaglutid against cocaine addiction. But the results are still promising, she thinks.
I have previously also done a study with alcohol and shown similar effects. But it absolutely needs to be done clinical research on it, she says.
