Using Semaglutide to Help Treat Cocaine Use Disorder
Official title: Repurposing Semaglutide for the Treatment of Cocaine Use Disorder: a Pilot Mechanistic Study
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11104610 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether semaglutide, a medication usually used for diabetes and weight loss, can help people with cocaine addiction by improving their treatment and making therapy more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $702,965 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA062720-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11104610 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with cocaine use disorder who may benefit from additional treatment options beyond traditional behavioral therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with cocaine use disorder or those who do not meet the criteria for participation in the study may not receive any benefit.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of semaglutide, a medication typically used for diabetes and obesity, to treat cocaine use disorder (CUD). The study aims to understand how this drug can affect brain pathways related to addiction and enhance the effectiveness of behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy. By examining its impact on cocaine-related behaviors in both animal models and humans, the research seeks to provide new pharmacological options for individuals struggling with CUD. If successful, this could lead to improved treatment strategies for those affected by cocaine addiction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new pharmacological treatment option for individuals with cocaine use disorder, potentially improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in treating cocaine use disorder is a novel approach, preliminary animal studies have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in human trials.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yammine, Luba — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Yammine, Luba
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Understanding how early life stress and cocaine exposure shape brain and behavior in adults
This project follows a long-running study in monkeys to see how early maltreatment and adolescent cocaine use influence brain circuits and risk of addiction in adulthood.
-
Psilocybin-Assisted ACT for Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
A new treatment combines psilocybin with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people who have both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder.
-
Cholinergic Dysregulation and Cognitive Flexibility in Cocaine Use Disorder
A research study explores how cocaine changes brain signaling to affect flexible thinking and decision-making in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Oligonucleotide therapy to help cocaine use disorder reach the brain
A new ASO-based approach aims to deliver gene-targeting therapy across the blood–brain barrier to help people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Accelerated TMS for Cocaine Use Disorder
A new, faster brain-stimulation treatment is being tested to help adults with cocaine use disorder reduce cravings and use.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.