Study wrapper · #1031
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as a Candidate Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: From rats to humans.
Grigson PS, Bunce SC, Brick TR, et al. Biological psychiatry. 2026.
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.06.033PubMed: 42480803
Editor's note
A review spanning preclinical and clinical evidence on GLP-1 receptor agonists for opioid use disorder, covering semaglutide and tirzepatide among other agents. The animal data are relatively consistent, but human evidence rests on one small liraglutide trial plus observational database analyses, with dedicated semaglutide and tirzepatide trials still ongoing. The authors are appropriately cautious that confirmatory clinical trials are needed.
Plain-language abstract
This review summarizes animal and human evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, are associated with reduced opioid seeking and craving. Human data remain early, with several clinical trials still ongoing.
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