Once-weekly GLP-1R agonist dulaglutide for treatment of fentanyl use disorder and modulation of lateral habenula activity in male and female rats

Project Type(s):

Principal Investigator(s):

Current pharmacological treatments for fentanyl use disorder, primarily opioid replacements, have proven insufficient to stem the tide of fentanyl related suffering and deaths. Novel pharmacotherapies are desperately needed, ideally ones that are non-opioid, highly convenient, and produce minimal side effects. One promising class of drugs that meets these criteria are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) agonists. Endogenous GLP-1 is released in response to food intake, but GLP-1Rs are present in many tissues throughout the body, including brain regions involved in addiction. Early studies have shown GLP-1R agonists may reduce drug seeking. Here, we aim to determine if the long acting GLP-1R agonist dulaglutide, given once weekly, can reduce fentanyl SA for a substantial period of time (3 weeks), even after SA has been established.

Project Period:
July 1, 2024 — June 30, 2025

Funding Type(s):
State/UW

Funder(s):
ADAI

Geographic Area(s):
University of Washington

Targeted Condition(s):
Substance use disorders/misuse