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Study · Not a test of the peptide alone · 2025

12 results

The potential role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in substance use disorders - a systematic review.

Völker KM, Prechtl BLH, Bormann NL, Choi DS

Frontiers in pharmacology2 Jan 2026Cited by 7 (Europe PMC)

PMID41552827 (opens in a new tab)PMCIDPMC12808432 (opens in a new tab)DOI10.3389/fphar.2025.1702448 (opens in a new tab)PepBankPUB-41552827
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Summary

BackgroundSubstance use disorders (SUDs) remain a major global health challenge with limited pharmacological treatment options and high relapse rates. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), originally developed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, have recently gained attention for their potential effects on addictive behaviors. Preclinical and early clinical studies suggest that GLP-1RAs modulate mesolimbic dopaminergic signaling and attenuate reward-driven behaviors, positioning them as promising candidates for novel interventions in addiction medicine.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with protocol registration in PROSPERO (CRD42024571356). Searches were performed across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library up to January 2025. Eligible studies included preclinical and clinical investigations examining GLP-1RAs in alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and opioid use disorders. Data were extracted on study design, sample characteristics, interventions, and primary outcomes related to substance use behavior and neurobiological mechanisms.ResultsA total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations. Preclinical evidence consistently demonstrated that GLP-1RAs, including exendin-4, liraglutide, and semaglutide, reduced substance intake, relapse-like behaviors, and cue-induced drug seeking across multiple drug classes. These effects were linked to GLP-1R activation in brain reward circuits, including the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and nucleus of the solitary tract. Clinical studies provided preliminary support, particularly for alcohol use disorder, with GLP-1RAs showing reductions in alcohol consumption and craving in several clinical trials. However, clinical findings remain heterogeneous and limited by small sample sizes and short study durations.ConclusionThis systematic review highlights GLP-1RAs as a promising therapeutic approach for SUDs, targeting the neurobiological pathways underlying both metabolic and reward regulation. While preclinical data are convincing, clinical evidence remains preliminary, underscoring the need for larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials. GLP-1RAs may represent a novel pharmacological strategy bridging metabolic and neuropsychiatric domains in addiction treatment.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024571356.
CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study12

No result from this study comes from a test of the peptide.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone12

In this study, the peptide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking the peptide.

  1. 01HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In people with alcohol use disorder, GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) showed reductions in alcohol consumption in several clinical trials.

    In plain wordsIn people with alcohol use disorder, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to less drinking in several trials. The evidence is preliminary.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAlcohol consumption in clinical studies
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Clinical studies provided preliminary support, particularly for alcohol use disorder, with GLP-1RAs showing reductions in alcohol consumption and craving in several clinical trials.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  2. 02HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In people with alcohol use disorder, GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) showed reductions in alcohol consumption in several clinical trials.

    In plain wordsIn people with alcohol use disorder, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to less drinking in several trials. The evidence is preliminary.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAlcohol consumption in clinical studies
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Clinical studies provided preliminary support, particularly for alcohol use disorder, with GLP-1RAs showing reductions in alcohol consumption and craving in several clinical trials.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  3. 03HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In people with alcohol use disorder, GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) showed reductions in craving in several clinical trials.

    In plain wordsIn people with alcohol use disorder, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to less craving in several trials. The evidence is preliminary.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAlcohol craving in clinical studies
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Clinical studies provided preliminary support, particularly for alcohol use disorder, with GLP-1RAs showing reductions in alcohol consumption and craving in several clinical trials.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  4. 04HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In people with alcohol use disorder, GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) showed reductions in craving in several clinical trials.

    In plain wordsIn people with alcohol use disorder, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to less craving in several trials. The evidence is preliminary.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAlcohol craving in clinical studies
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Clinical studies provided preliminary support, particularly for alcohol use disorder, with GLP-1RAs showing reductions in alcohol consumption and craving in several clinical trials.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  5. 05AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneOther designEfficacy outcome

    In preclinical studies, GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) reduced substance intake.

    In plain wordsIn animal studies, GLP-1 drugs as a group reduced drug and alcohol intake.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseSubstance intake in preclinical studies
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GLP-1RAs, including exendin-4, liraglutide, and semaglutide, reduced substance intake
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  6. 06AnimalNot a test of Semaglutide aloneOther designEfficacy outcome

    In preclinical studies, GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) reduced substance intake.

    In plain wordsIn animal studies, GLP-1 drugs as a group reduced drug and alcohol intake.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseSubstance intake in preclinical studies
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GLP-1RAs, including exendin-4, liraglutide, and semaglutide, reduced substance intake
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  7. 07AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneOther designEfficacy outcome

    In preclinical studies, GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) reduced relapse-like behaviors.

    In plain wordsIn animal studies, GLP-1 drugs as a group reduced relapse-like behavior.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseRelapse-like behaviors in preclinical studies
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GLP-1RAs, including exendin-4, liraglutide, and semaglutide, reduced substance intake, relapse-like behaviors
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  8. 08AnimalNot a test of Semaglutide aloneOther designEfficacy outcome

    In preclinical studies, GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) reduced relapse-like behaviors.

    In plain wordsIn animal studies, GLP-1 drugs as a group reduced relapse-like behavior.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseRelapse-like behaviors in preclinical studies
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GLP-1RAs, including exendin-4, liraglutide, and semaglutide, reduced substance intake, relapse-like behaviors
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  9. 09AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneOther designEfficacy outcome

    In preclinical studies, GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) reduced cue-induced drug seeking.

    In plain wordsIn animal studies, GLP-1 drugs as a group reduced drug seeking triggered by cues.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseCue-induced drug seeking in preclinical studies
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GLP-1RAs, including exendin-4, liraglutide, and semaglutide, reduced substance intake, relapse-like behaviors, and cue-induced drug seeking
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  10. 10AnimalNot a test of Semaglutide aloneOther designEfficacy outcome

    In preclinical studies, GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) reduced cue-induced drug seeking.

    In plain wordsIn animal studies, GLP-1 drugs as a group reduced drug seeking triggered by cues.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseCue-induced drug seeking in preclinical studies
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Source sentences

    Summary
    GLP-1RAs, including exendin-4, liraglutide, and semaglutide, reduced substance intake, relapse-like behaviors, and cue-induced drug seeking
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  11. 11AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneOther designMechanism

    In preclinical studies, the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) were linked to GLP-1R activation in brain reward circuits.

    In plain wordsIn animal studies, the effects of GLP-1 drugs were linked to activation of their receptor in brain reward areas.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicableGLP-1R activation in brain reward circuits
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Receptor activity and mechanism · Nervous system and cognition

    Source sentences

    Summary
    These effects were linked to GLP-1R activation in brain reward circuits, including the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and nucleus of the solitary tract.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  12. 12AnimalNot a test of Semaglutide aloneOther designMechanism

    In preclinical studies, the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) were linked to GLP-1R activation in brain reward circuits.

    In plain wordsIn animal studies, the effects of GLP-1 drugs were linked to activation of their receptor in brain reward areas.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    Not applicableGLP-1R activation in brain reward circuits
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Receptor activity and mechanism · Nervous system and cognition

    Source sentences

    Summary
    These effects were linked to GLP-1R activation in brain reward circuits, including the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and nucleus of the solitary tract.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    A total of 41 studies were included, comprising 35 preclinical and six clinical investigations.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

  1. Version 3Current

    12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC

    Study results updated

  2. Version 2

    9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC

    Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC

  3. Version 1

    9 Oct 2026, 03:05 UTC

    First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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