Oral Semaglutide Reduces Heavy Drinking in Clinical Trial

A phase 2 randomized clinical trial published July 29, 2026, in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that oral semaglutide significantly reduced heavy drinking, alcohol consumption, and cravings in adults with alcohol use disorder.

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine enrolled 50 treatment-seeking adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. Participants received either a placebo or oral semaglutide over eight weeks, starting at 3 mg per day for four weeks and increasing to 7 mg per day for the final four weeks.

The study did not find a statistically significant reduction in laboratory-assessed alcohol craving at week six. However, it reported significant improvements in several real-world measures. Participants in the semaglutide group had fewer heavy drinking days, consumed fewer drinks per drinking day, reported lower day-to-day alcohol cravings, and experienced fewer alcohol-related negative consequences. A significantly higher proportion of semaglutide participants also achieved a reduction in their World Health Organization risk drinking level compared to the placebo group.

Researchers noted that oral semaglutide was well-tolerated, with most side effects described as mild. Participants showed high adherence and completion rates.

The findings are considered significant because no new medications have been FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder since 2006. The study authors said oral semaglutide may be a viable option for individuals who do not respond to existing therapies. Larger, longer-term trials are planned to confirm the results and establish optimal dosing strategies.

The trial follows a separate study published in The Lancet in April 2026, which found that once-weekly injectable semaglutide also reduced alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol use disorder and comorbid obesity.