Pre-clinical evidence and anecdotal reports have suggested that GLP1 receptor agonists may reduce alcohol use and cravings. Hendershot and colleagues published their phase 2, double-blind RCT recently in JAMA Psychiatry. They used a combination of laboratory-based alcohol self-administration and calendar-based recording of alcohol consumption outside of the laboratory to assess drinking behaviour in a cohort of participants who had not previously sought treatment for AUD.

Whilst percentage of drinking days vs days abstaining was minimally affected, the largest effect was seen with quantity of alcohol consumed. This small study provides an initial indication that GLP1-receptor agonists may have a future place in management of AUD.

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