Until law, GLP-1 drugs were used to treat diabetes, obesity and even the recent evidences suggest that it could as well be used to treat chronic kidney problems. There is yet another research, published in JAMA Psychiatry on February 25, titled Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial that explores if GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide reduce alcohol consumption and cravings in adults with alcohol use disorder.

What Do Studies Say?

The research was conducted over a period of 9 weeks, where in the randomized clinical trial, the participants who were administered semaglutide, it led to reductions in some but not all measures of weekly consumptions. It also reduced weekly alcohol and craving related to placebo, and also led to a greater relative reduction in cigarettes per day.

The research also found that weekly injections of semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in weight loss drugs like Wegovy also helped reduce cravings in people with alcohol use disorder.

The lead author Christian Hendershot said that these findings will help in developing new approaches to treat alcoholism. "Two drugs currently approved to reduce alcohol consumption aren't widely used. The popularity of Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists increases the chances of broad adoption of these treatments for alcohol use disorder," said Hendershot in news release by the University of Southern California's Institute for Addiction Research, where he is the director.

The study is government-funded research and was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health.

How Was The Study Conducted?

The study was small, and took in account for only 48 adults over two months, thus experts say that it is not yet clear how safe these drugs are for people who do not need to lose weight. Though the results do add up with the evidence form animal studies on drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy on how it helps manage cravings, not just for food, but also for tobacco and alcohol. Scientists are also studying these drugs on smokers, people with opioid addiction and cocaine users.

Co-author Dr Klara Klein of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who treats people with obesity and diabetes said, "This is such promising data. And we need more of it. We frequently will hear that once people start these medications that their desire to drink is very reduced, if not completely abolished."

Why Does It Work So Well Against Alcoholism?

The GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking hormones GLP-1 in the gut and brain that regulates appetite and feelings of fullness. This response is what helps one lose weight, and what helps one curb their craving for alcohol. These drugs that mimic the functioning of your brain, which is responsible to tell your body when to stop consuming, are the same hormones that tell your body about other kinds of consumptions, including alcohol. Therefore by consuming the weight loss drugs one can treat alcohol use disorder.

However, the researchers have pointed out on the limited data on the research and have suggested to continue using the three approved drugs by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, namely, Disulfiram, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate to treat alcohol use disorder until large studies confirm these findings.

Healthcare in India is no longer a privilege but is steadily becoming a right, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi today while highlighting the government's efforts to expand affordable medical care, strengthen health infrastructure and improve access to treatment across the country.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony and launching development projects worth over ₹4,700 crore in Chandigarh, spanning healthcare, education and road infrastructure, PM Modi stated that India's healthcare journey has undergone a transformational change over the past 12 years.

The Prime Minister said lower and middle-income families have benefited the most from the country's healthcare transformation.

"Health services in India are no longer a privilege; they are becoming an absolute right," PM Modi said.

PGIMER Expansion To Boost Healthcare Access

Also read: Fourth COVID Death Reported in Andhra Pradesh: Experts Recommend Boosters For High-Risk Groups

In Chandigarh, the Prime Minister announced the expansion of healthcare facilities at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), including a new Neuroscience Centre, a Mother and Child Centre, and a Critical Care Hospital Block, saying the projects will provide better treatment facilities to millions of people.

He also announced the approval of a new MBBS college at PGIMER, saying the expansion of medical colleges and postgraduate seats will help address the shortage of doctors while creating more opportunities for aspiring medical students.

Healthcare Infrastructure Expanded Over The Past Decade

Highlighting the government's investments in healthcare, Modi said India has approved 15 new AIIMS since 2014, established hundreds of new medical colleges and expanded specialty hospitals across the country.

"Since 2014, fifteen new AIIMS have been approved, hundreds of new medical colleges have been established across the country, and specialized hospitals for the treatment of serious diseases such as cancer have been strengthened."

He added that strengthening primary healthcare remains a key priority under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.

The Prime Minister said that under the mission, critical care blocks, integrated public health laboratories and public health units have been established across the country. He added that over 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now operational across rural, urban and tribal areas, providing comprehensive primary healthcare services, including twelve healthcare service packages.

He noted that crores of citizens have been screened for hypertension, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases through these centers.

Digital Health and Maternal Care Improvements

Read More: Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 Drug Wegovy Approved for Fatty Liver Disease in India

The Prime Minister highlighted the growing role of digital healthcare, noting that the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform has facilitated more than 48 crore consultations, enabling patients in remote areas to access specialist care without travelling long distances.

PM Modi said the healthcare improvements have contributed to better maternal and child health outcomes, with more than 90% of deliveries now taking place in healthcare institutions. He added that maternal mortality has declined by 86%, while infant mortality has also fallen significantly.

The Prime Minister also underlined the government's emphasis on preventive healthcare through initiatives such as the Poshan Abhiyan, Mission Indradhanush, yoga promotion, HPV vaccination and the U-WIN platform.

Focus On Tuberculosis Control

PM Modi reaffirmed the Government's commitment to eliminating tuberculosis, stating that the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has strengthened awareness, screening and treatment.

He noted that TB treatment coverage in the country has now crossed 90% and, citing a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, said India has recorded a 21% decline in tuberculosis cases over the past decade.

India Emerging As A Global Healthcare Destination

Recalling India's response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi said the country has evolved from a nation once perceived as dependent on external assistance to a global destination for advanced medical treatment.

He attributed the transformation to sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure and policies aimed at making quality treatment affordable and accessible.

Modi said "India must continue investing in modern healthcare infrastructure and emerging technologies as part of its vision of becoming a developed nation".

India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh has reported four COVID-19 deaths amid a rise in infections, prompting experts to reiterate the importance of booster vaccination for older adults and people at high risk of severe disease.

While sporadic COVID-19 cases have continued to be reported across the country, fatalities have remained relatively uncommon. Health experts say the current situation does not resemble previous pandemic waves, but immunity from earlier vaccinations has waned, making booster doses important for vulnerable groups.

Andhra Pradesh Reports Four COVID Deaths

In an official statement, Andhra Pradesh Health Commissioner G. Veerapandian said that 12 people tested positive for COVID-19 across the state between June 26 and July 16. Of these, four patients with multiple comorbidities died.

The deceased had underlying conditions including hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and other serious illnesses.

Although cases have increased in a few states and cities, hospitals are not experiencing the overwhelming admissions, oxygen shortages, or healthcare burden seen during earlier waves.

Also read: Omicron Sub-Lineages Likely Behind COVID Surge In India: Why Deaths Are Occurring

Who Is Most at Risk?

Experts say that while most current infections are mild, severe illness remains more likely in:

• Older adults

• Pregnant women

• People with diabetes

• Individuals with heart disease

• Those with chronic lung or kidney disease

• Cancer patients

• People with weakened immune systems

Experts Advise Boosters For Vulnerable Groups

Read More: COVID Spikes In India: Experts Allay Fears, Stress Vaccination And Masks

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Atul Kakar, Chairperson, Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said booster doses remain advisable for people at highest risk.

"COVID vaccines are now again recommended, especially for the elderly population, particularly those of advanced age or who are immunocompromised. It is a voluntary vaccine that is indicated because immunity from earlier vaccinations has declined."

Dr. Manjeeta Nath Das, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, PB Health, said COVID-19 cases are rising in small pockets, particularly in South India, while immunity from previous vaccination has gradually waned.

"COVID is rising in India, especially in small pockets in South India. So we should all get re-vaccinated. It has been several years since the pandemic, and immunity from previous vaccinations has waned," Das told HealthandMe.

She recommended booster doses for:

• Adults aged 65 years and above

• Immunocompromised children older than six months

• People with diabetes, hypertension, or asthma

• Patients undergoing chemotherapy

• Individuals taking steroids or other immunosuppressive medicines

• Adults with immunocompromising conditions

• Caregivers and healthcare workers caring for vulnerable patients

She also said eligible people may consider an annual COVID-19 booster as immunity declines over time.

Dr. Kakar added that people with weakened immunity, immunodeficiency, advanced age, and pregnant women are among those who would benefit most from a booster.

Heterologous Boosters May Be An Option

Dr. Neha Rastogi, Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said booster vaccination should focus on those at the highest risk rather than the general population.

"The focus has shifted from broad herd immunity to priority boosters for the elderly and high-risk groups such as cancer patients, people on dialysis, those with uncontrolled diabetes, patients on steroids, and immunosuppressed individuals."

She told HealthandMe that people who have previously been vaccinated may also consider a heterologous booster—receiving a different COVID-19 vaccine from the one used for their earlier doses—where appropriate and based on medical advice.

India's drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), has approved Wegovy (semaglutide injection 2.4 mg) for the treatment of adults with fatty liver disease, Novo Nordisk announced today.

According to the company, Wegovy is the first and only GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) approved globally and in India for the treatment of noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

"People with MASH face a higher risk of serious liver complications and heart-related disease. This approval is an important milestone, giving doctors and patients a new treatment option while also helping address obesity and related heart and metabolic diseases," said Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India.

Clinical Trial Findings

The approval is based on findings from the ESSENCE clinical trial, which showed that:

• 63% of patients treated with Wegovy experienced resolution of steatohepatitis, an advanced form of fatty liver disease.
• 37% showed improvement in liver fibrosis.
• 33% achieved both resolution of steatohepatitis and improvement in liver fibrosis.

Who Should Take Wegovy?

Semaglutide injection (Wegovy) is indicated, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, for:

• Chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidaemia.
• Chronic weight management in adolescents aged 12 years and older with obesity and a body weight above 60 kg.
• Reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease who are overweight or have obesity.
• Treatment of noncirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (F2-F3) in adults.

What Is MASH?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive liver disease caused by excess fat accumulation in the liver, leading to chronic inflammation and liver damage.

According to Novo Nordisk, two in three Indians have fatty liver disease. The condition is often called a "silent disease" because many people do not develop symptoms until liver damage has become advanced. If left untreated, MASH can progress to severe liver complications.

"MASH is becoming more common in India as lifestyles change. In many people, early MASH has no obvious symptoms, so the condition may not be diagnosed until liver damage is more advanced," said Dr. Dharmesh Kapoor, Senior Consultant Hepatologist, Hyderabad.

He stressed the importance of early screening, particularly for people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or other metabolic conditions.

"Wegovy has demonstrated benefits in reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis while also supporting weight management and blood sugar control, both of which are linked to MASH progression," Dr. Kapoor added.

Novo Nordisk said innovator semaglutide is backed by more than 50 clinical trials, 49 million patient-years of exposure, and extensive real-world evidence.

The medicine, manufactured using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, has been approved in 75 countries, including by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA).