Tirzepatide reduces alcohol reward in rodent study, hinting at AUD therapy

Rodents treated with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) drank more than half as much alcohol as controls, showed fewer relapse-like drinking episodes, and exhibited reduced alcohol-induced dopamine spikes in the brain’s reward center, the lateral septum. The drug also altered histone-related proteins, suggesting possible long-term neural changes. While promising, human trials are needed to confirm efficacy for alcohol use disorder, though tirzepatide’s established safety profile could speed future research.