Using semaglutide to help treat opioid use disorder
Official title: Semaglutide for the treatment of opioid use disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11053820 · 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 opioid use disorder feel less cravings and stick with their treatment when they’re also taking buprenorphine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $492,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA060304-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053820 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently receiving buprenorphine treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder or those who are not eligible for buprenorphine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of semaglutide, a medication typically used for diabetes and obesity, as an adjunct treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). The study aims to determine if semaglutide can help reduce cravings and improve retention in patients already receiving buprenorphine, a standard treatment for OUD. By exploring the effects of semaglutide on the brain's reward system, the research seeks to find new ways to support individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either semaglutide or a placebo, allowing researchers to assess its effectiveness in a controlled manner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that enhances the effectiveness of existing therapies for opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promise in using GLP-1 agonists for substance use, but this specific approach with semaglutide is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suzuki, Joji — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Suzuki, Joji
Related research
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A tiny, targeted drug approach is being developed to help people with opioid use disorder by rewriting the epigenetic signals in the brain to reduce cravings and relapse risk.
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.