Telehealth platforms specializing in addiction treatment are marketing off-label prescriptions of GLP-1 medications for alcohol use disorder and other addictions, moving ahead of potential regulatory approvals. These companies are utilizing both branded and compounded versions of the drugs, which are primarily known for treating diabetes and obesity.
The shift occurs as the pharmaceutical industry actively investigates these agents for addiction medicine. Eli Lilly is currently testing brenipatide, a new drug, in patients with alcohol use disorder. Baseline Therapeutics is studying a GLP-1 receptor agonist for alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine use disorders. Additionally, Altimmune is testing pemvidutide specifically for alcohol use disorder.
Specialists in addiction medicine express optimism that the Food and Drug Administration may soon approve a new medication for alcohol use disorder, which would mark the first such approval in two decades. Despite this anticipated regulatory milestone, some telehealth providers have begun offering these treatments without waiting for formal clearance. The prescriptions being marketed are considered off-label, meaning they are being used for conditions not yet officially approved by the FDA for those specific drugs.