VA launches trial of GLP-1 treatment for
alcohol use disorder
By Staff
The
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs today announced a new clinical trial to
evaluate the efficacy of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat
diabetes, as treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Currently,
more than 400,000 Veterans nationwide are diagnosed with AUD, and some
estimates say AUD affects nearly 11% of U.S. adults.
Semaglutide
has drawn scientific interest because it may affect parts of the brain related
to how the body experiences rewards. An analysis published
in March found that patients receiving GLP‑1 medications experience lower
rates of AUD and other substance use disorders compared with similar patients
taking other diabetes medications.
The
use of GLP-1 medications by people with existing substance use disorders has
been associated with fewer emergency visits, hospitalizations and other adverse
outcomes. These findings highlight the need for a controlled clinical trial to
determine whether a GLP-1, such as semaglutide, can reduce AUD among Veterans.
“This
clinical trial reflects medical research that VA is uniquely situated to
launch, and is aimed directly at benefitting Veterans,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.
“By exploring emerging treatment options like the use of a GLP-1 for AUD, we
aim to expand the tools available to help Veterans take control of their health
and recovery.”
The
study, known as the Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans
trial, will enroll more than 600 Veterans at 18 VA medical centers nationwide.
Participants between the ages of 18 and 80 with moderate or severe AUD will
receive weekly injections of either semaglutide or a placebo over a 24‑week
period, followed by a safety follow‑up. Researchers will track changes in
drinking, health, and quality of life to determine whether the medication
offers a meaningful new treatment option.
The
study will be conducted at the following VA medical centers:
- Ann
Arbor VA Health Care System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Charles
George VA Medical Center, Asheville, North Carolina
- Durham
VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Edward
Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois
- George
E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City
- Joseph
Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
- Louis
Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland
- Michael
E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston
- Minneapolis
VA Medical Center, Minneapolis
- Orlando
VA Medical Center, Orlando, Florida
- Palo
Alto VA Medical Center, Palo Alto, California
- Philadelphia
VA Healthcare System, Philadelphia
- Portland
VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon
- Tibor
Rubin VA Medical Center, Long Beach, California
- VA
Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles
- VA
North Texas Health Care System, Dallas
- VA
Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle
- William
S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
Recruitment
begins on July 28, 2026. For more information about participation, Veterans can
contact their local VA medical center or visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search
for the trial.
VA
strongly discourages self‑medicating or attempting to replace other AUD
treatment options with GLP‑1 medications or any other unprescribed substances.
Evidence‑based, proven treatments are available at VA facilities to support
Veterans with AUD. Veterans should always consult their health care providers
before making any treatment decisions.