CASPR's mission is to bring better addiction medicines to market: high-impact treatments that can reduce the rates of addiction at a population scale.
GLP-1RAs have shown immense promise for reducing opioid overdoses, alcohol use disorders, and several other substance use disorders (SUD). CASPR funds research centers for trials and programs focused on GLP-1RAs and addiction, as well as its downstream impacts, including recidivism and employment.
In partnership with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, this study will measure the impact of GLP-1s on alcohol and opioid use, as well as economic and social outcomes including recidivism and employment.
PARTNERS
CASPR initiated the development of CRAVE, the VA’s Phase 3 trial of semaglutide for AUD, convening our scientific advisory board, and co-developing the initial protocol with the VA team. The trial plans to enroll 622 veterans and is led by Dr. Dave Oslin at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia. Dr. Oslin is also a coauthor of our EHR-based OUD study in veterans. CRAVE began recruiting on July 28, 2026, and is expected to be completed in May 2029.
PARTNERS
An entire cohort leaving Caron's 28-day treatment program reported zero cravings. Patients with stimulant use disorder, which has no FDA-approved medication, have also reported positive experiences.
PARTNERS
Provides semaglutide to women and men with addiction history living in transitional housing after incarceration, and observes impacts on their recovery and success.
PARTNERS
Among Veterans with type 2 diabetes and opioid use disorder, starting semaglutide or tirzepatide was associated with a 68% lower 12-month overdose risk than insulin and 75% lower than SGLT2 inhibitors. Results were not statistically significant versus metformin, sulfonylureas, or DPP-4 inhibitors; randomized trials are still needed.
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There is a significant body of evidence for GLP-1s reducing craving and consumption of substances including alcohol, opioids, tobacco and cannabis.
Read the reviewCASPR publishes ongoing research updates on our Substack, Recursive Adaptation.
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