Research and Pilot Programs

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. Currently only 3% of people with substance use disorders choose to take medication, because existing options have poor efficacy and strong side effects. We want to change that.

Jessica Massarone, a participant in CASPR's OpenDoors pilot program
Jessica Massarone, a participant in CASPR's OpenDoors pilot program. Photo by Hannah Altman for The New York Times.

GLP-1RAs have shown immense promise for reducing opioid overdoses, alcohol use disorders, and several other substance use disorders (SUD). CASPR is committed to advancing research on GLP-1s and helping bring them to market. CASPR provides funding to research centers for trials and programs focused on GLP-1RAs and addiction, as well as the downstream impacts of addiction, including recidivism and employment. Current studies and programs funded by CASPR include:

  • We funded this research, partnered with researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and coauthored the resulting paper. The study examined 12-month all-cause overdose risk in Veterans with type 2 diabetes and opioid use disorder (OUD). Starting semaglutide or tirzepatide was associated with a 68% lower risk of overdose than insulin and a 75% lower risk than SGLT2 inhibitors. The results were not statistically significant compared with metformin, sulfonylureas, or DPP-4 inhibitors. Randomized controlled trials are still needed.
  • Pilot program offering semaglutide to patients at Caron Treatment Centers, a highly regarded national rehab network. In its early months, this program has continued to demonstrate efficacy of GLP-1s for SUD: an entire cohort leaving Caron's 28-day treatment program reported zero cravings. Furthermore, Caron patients with stimulant use disorder have reported positive experiences with GLP-1s - an exciting development, considering that there is no FDA-approved medication for stimulant addiction. Learn more.
  • Pilot program providing semaglutide to women and men in transitional housing post-incarceration. OpenDoors RI is an organization that serves vulnerable populations highly impacted by poverty and addiction. This pilot provides semaglutide to participants with addiction history and observes impacts on their recovery and success. Learn more.
  • 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.

CASPR is currently planning a major study of 1,200 individuals in Pittsburgh, in partnership with the Department of Human Services in Allegheny County. 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.

To follow CASPR's ongoing research work, please subscribe to our Substack, Recursive Adaptation.

Evidence for GLP-1s and SUD

There is a significant body of evidence for GLP-1s reducing craving and consumption of substances including alcohol, opioids, tobacco and cannabis. Below is a summary of recent research and there is much more detail in our Review of the Evidence for GLP-1s and Addiction.