Repeated semaglutide treatment attenuates cocaine-vs-food choice in male and female rats.

Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology2026PMID: 41986468

View on PubMed DOI: 10.1038/s41386-026-02386-2

Plain Language Summary

This preclinical study found that repeated semaglutide treatment attenuated cocaine-versus-food choice in both male and female rats. The results support the clinical potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists for treating substance use disorders by reducing the reinforcing value of cocaine.

Abstract

The present study determined the effectiveness of the glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist semaglutide to attenuate cocaine-vs-food choice in male and female rats. Repeated 5-day semaglutide treatment decreased cocaine choice and significantly reduced body weight. These preclinical results support the clinical evaluation of semaglutide as a candidate cocaine use disorder medication.

Authors

Heslep, Nicholas; Marsh, Samuel A; Banks, Matthew L