Telehealth platforms prescribe GLP-1s off-label for addiction

Telehealth platforms that treat addiction have begun marketing GLP-1 drugs off-label for alcohol use disorder and other addictions, according to a STAT report. The drugs are approved for diabetes and obesity, but addiction is one possible next use.

Eli Lilly is investigating brenipatide in alcohol use disorder. Baseline Therapeutics is evaluating a GLP-1 receptor agonist for alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine use disorders. Altimmune is testing pemvidutide for alcohol use disorder.

Addiction medicine specialists hope the Food and Drug Administration will soon approve a new medication for alcohol use disorder, which would be the first in two decades. However, certain addiction-focused telehealth platforms are not waiting. Over the past year, several firms have started offering off-label prescriptions for GLP-1 medications, including both brand-name and compounded versions, for alcohol use disorder and other addictions.

Experts say these online platforms can move the responsibility for checking unapproved drugs onto patients.