Research finds that obesity drugs have the potential to help some people with alcohol cravings – Milwaukee Independent

Advancements in Pharmaceutical Research: A Potential Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goal 3

Introduction: Aligning Medical Innovation with Global Health Targets

Recent government-funded research indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications developed for obesity management, may also serve as a vital tool in achieving key targets within Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being. Specifically, the findings suggest a potential new intervention for the harmful use of alcohol, directly addressing SDG Target 3.5, which aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

Research Overview and Methodology

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry, funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, investigated the effects of semaglutide on individuals with alcohol use disorder. The core parameters of this preliminary research included:

• Participants: 48 adults with symptoms of alcohol use disorder who were overweight.
• Intervention: A randomized trial assigning participants to receive either weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo.
• Duration: The study was conducted over a nine-week period.
• Objective: To measure changes in alcohol consumption and cravings, contributing to evidence-based treatment strategies as called for by SDG 3.

Key Findings and Contribution to SDG Target 3.5

The results of the study provide promising, albeit preliminary, data supporting the advancement of SDG Target 3.5, which focuses on strengthening the treatment of substance abuse, including the harmful use of alcohol. The primary outcomes demonstrated a significant positive impact on participants receiving semaglutide.

1. Reduction in Heavy Drinking: During the final weeks of the study, nearly 40% of participants in the semaglutide group reported no heavy drinking days, compared to 20% in the placebo group.
2. Decreased Alcohol Consumption: In a controlled laboratory setting at the study’s conclusion, the semaglutide group consumed, on average, approximately half the amount of alcohol as the placebo group.
3. Broader Impact on Addictive Behaviors: Researchers noted that smokers in the semaglutide group also reduced their cigarette consumption, suggesting a wider potential for these medications in treating various forms of substance abuse.

Implications for SDG Target 3.4: Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Well-being

The potential dual-action of semaglutide in treating both obesity and alcohol use disorder has profound implications for SDG Target 3.4, which seeks to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promote mental health.

• Addressing NCD Risk Factors: By tackling obesity and harmful alcohol use simultaneously, these medications can help mitigate two of the primary risk factors for NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver disease.
• Promoting Mental Health: The reduction of cravings and addictive behaviors contributes significantly to the promotion of mental health and well-being, a core component of SDG 3.4.
• Future Research Pathways: The findings encourage further investigation into the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in treating other substance dependencies, including opioid and cocaine use, further expanding their potential contribution to global public health goals.

Limitations and Future Directives for Global Health

While the findings are a significant step toward achieving SDG 3, experts emphasize the need for continued research to validate these results on a larger scale. Key considerations for future work include:

• The necessity for larger, long-term randomized clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety.
• An investigation into the safety and effectiveness of these drugs for individuals who are not overweight.
• The importance of utilizing currently approved medications for alcohol use disorder until more definitive data is available.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues related to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. The entire focus of the text is on medical research aimed at improving health outcomes for several conditions.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article discusses new, government-funded research on medications to treat obesity, alcohol use disorder, and potentially other addictions like tobacco, opioid, and cocaine use. This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s discussion of specific health issues, the following targets under SDG 3 can be identified:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Explanation: The article begins by stating that the medications “have transformed the treatment of obesity.” Obesity is a major risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. By exploring new treatments for obesity, the research contributes directly to the “treatment” aspect of this target. The study specifically involved participants who were “overweight.”
2. Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Explanation: This is the central theme of the article. The research explicitly investigates whether semaglutide can “help people drink less alcohol.” The study recruited “people who reported symptoms of alcohol use disorder” and was funded by the “National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.” The article further broadens this scope by mentioning that scientists are also studying these drugs for “people with opioid addiction and cocaine users,” directly aligning with the target’s call to strengthen the treatment of substance and narcotic drug abuse.
3. Target 3.a: Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate.
   • Explanation: The article implies a connection to this target by noting an incidental finding from the study: “Smokers in the study who got the semaglutide also cut back on cigarettes.” It also states that scientists are actively “studying these drugs in smokers.” Developing new pharmacological aids for smoking cessation is a key strategy in strengthening tobacco control efforts.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several specific indicators that can be used to measure progress:

Indicators for SDG 3 Targets

• Treatment of Obesity: The article’s focus on “medications that have transformed the treatment of obesity” implies that the prevalence of obesity and the coverage of treatment are key metrics. While not a formal indicator number, tracking the rate of obesity is fundamental to measuring progress on Target 3.4.
• Reduction in Harmful Use of Alcohol: The study provides direct, measurable indicators related to Target 3.5.
  • Reduction in heavy drinking days: The article quantifies this, stating, “nearly 40% in the semaglutide group reported no heavy drinking days compared with 20% in the placebo group.” This serves as a direct indicator of reduced harmful alcohol use.
  • Reduction in the quantity of alcohol consumed: The article notes that in the final lab test, “the semaglutide group drank roughly half the amount, on average, compared to those who got the placebo.” This is a clear quantitative indicator.
• Treatment Coverage for Substance Use Disorders: The article discusses the development of new medications for “alcohol use disorder,” “opioid addiction,” and “cocaine users.” The availability and adoption of such new treatments are central to measuring the coverage and effectiveness of treatment interventions for substance abuse (Indicator 3.5.1).
• Reduction in Tobacco Use: The observation that “Smokers in the study who got the semaglutide also cut back on cigarettes” points to an indicator related to the prevalence of tobacco use (Indicator 3.a.1). A reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked or an increase in smoking cessation rates would be the relevant measure.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: milwaukeeindependent.com