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A study released on Wednesday suggests that Novo Nordisk’s popular diabetes drug Ozempic, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, may reduce the risk of opioid overdoses in patients with Type 2 diabetes and opioid use disorder. The study found that semaglutide was associated with a significantly lower risk of opioid overdoses compared to other diabetes medications, potentially offering a new approach to addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic in the US.

Currently, only a quarter of patients with opioid use disorder receive recommended medications, with many discontinuing treatment within six months. Opioids are a factor in around 72% of overdose deaths in the US. The study also highlights the potential health benefits of GLP-1 drugs, such as Novo Nordisk’s Victoza and Eli Lilly’s Trulicity, beyond regulating blood sugar and promoting weight loss.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 33,000 patients prescribed semaglutide or other diabetes medications between December 2017 and June 2023. Patients who received semaglutide had a 58% lower risk of opioid overdose compared to those receiving other treatments. However, the study has limitations due to its reliance on electronic health records.

Further research, including clinical trials, is needed to confirm the benefits of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic in treating opioid use disorder. The researchers plan to study semaglutide in patients with opioid use disorder and obesity in the future.

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