Study finds tirzepatide cuts alcohol intake by more than half in rodents
Medical Xpress
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A groundbreaking study reveals that tirzepatide, the active ingredient in the diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro, significantly reduces alcohol intake and relapse-like behaviors in rats and mice. This discovery marks a promising advancement in the search for new treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Previous research had shown that semaglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist used in diabetes medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, also reduced alcohol consumption in rodents. Now, tirzepatide appears to have similar effects, offering a potential alternative or complementary treatment approach.
The study, published in *eBioMedicine*, builds on earlier work by researchers at the University of Gothenburg who explored semaglutide’s impact on alcohol use. While both drugs belong to the same class of medications—GLP-1 receptor agonists—they have distinct mechanisms of action, which could explain why they both influence alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that tirzepatide not only reduces the amount of alcohol consumed but also helps curb relapse behaviors, making it a valuable tool in addressing AUD.
The research highlights the importance of exploring GLP-1 receptor agonists as a new class of medications for treating addiction. Alcohol use disorder is a major public health issue, affecting millions worldwide and contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Current treatment options are limited, with only a few approved medications available. The discovery that tirzepatide reduces alcohol intake by more than half in preclinical models could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.
This study underscores the potential of repurposing existing diabetes drugs to address alcohol use disorder. Mounjaro, already approved for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, may offer a novel approach to tackling AUD. The fact that
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/20/2026