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A pilot study co-authored by Hudson Founder Dr. Jonathann Kuo reveals the safety and efficacy of stem cell exosomes for lumbar facet joint pain.

Dr. Kuo, founder and Chief Medical Officer of Hudson Medical, recently co-authored a pilot study assessing the efficacy of treating lumbar facet joint pain (lower back joint pain) with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes. 

You can explore the safety and efficacy results of this study here.

Over the course of the 3-month study, 20 adults were injected with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell exosomes, and their progress was assessed via regular in-office and virtual check-ins. 

The pilot study found that  the injections did not spur adverse effects in the patient sample, indicating the safety of bone marrow-derived stem cell exosomes. 

Further, the group experienced significant progress across severity, interference, and disability indices. Here’s a breakdown of their average score improvements across each index:

To build on the promising results of this pilot study, Hudson and Dr. Kuo will continue to participate in groundbreaking research that explores the therapeutic potential of exosomes. 

Congratulations to Dr. Kuo and his co-authors on this groundbreaking study.

Looking to improve your immune system? Ozone therapy, or ozone blood therapy, is said to be one of the most efficient ways to stimulate the immune system—helping your body heal from illness and fight off infection.

How does ozone therapy work?

Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms, whereas the air we breathe is only made of two oxygen molecules (O2). Being more reactive than oxygen, clinical studies show that ozone may accelerate healing by improving local tissue blood supply and activating the growth of new connective tissue and capillaries.(1)

Additionally, research suggests that when ozone comes into contact with your blood, it activates the production of more proteins and red blood cells, which enhances your body’s oxygen supply.(2)

Furthermore, clinical studies focused on the effects of ozonation have also found that after ozone is administered into your bloodstream, it can detoxify pathogens from your system, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast. (3)

Ozone therapy benefits

The benefits of ozone range from boosting vascular health to enhancing immunity, and it may be prescribed as an adjunct therapy for a variety of medical conditions:

• Neurological: Ozone therapy has potential in treating neurological conditions by activating the antioxidant system to reduce oxidative stress. This can help with chronic neurodegenerative diseases and strokes. (4)
• Pain and inflammation: This therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation by activating pathways in the body. It boosts antioxidant systems and reduces inflammation. This is particularly relevant in the management of spinal pain and diabetic complications.(5)
• Wound healing: Ozone therapy has demonstrated efficacy in improving the healing of chronic wounds. It has antibacterial effects enhance the process of wound healing and may improver overall quality of life among patients. (6)
• Vascular: Clinical studies have indicated that ozone therapy improves blood flow and reduces oxidative stress, both of which are beneficial in treating vascular conditions. (7-8)
• Infectious diseases: Ozone’s potent bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal properties make it useful in treating infections. It can directly kill microorganisms and enhance local blood circulation, which aids in the healing process.(9-10)

Ozone therapy 2.0: EBOO

EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) is a more advanced ozone treatment that uses a closed-circuit machine to filter up to 2 liters of blood, removing cellular bi-products before the ozonation process. (It should be noted that although it is said that the cellular bi-products consist of heavy metals, toxins, and microplastics, no published studies have confirmed the make-up of the bi-products.)

Once the blood has been filtered and treated, it is exposed to UBI (ultraviolet blood irradiation), which is known for its anti-microbial properties and ability to boost the immune response.

What to expect during EBOO treatment

• Step 1: Blood is withdrawn (via IV) and passed through EBOO’s state-of-the-art filter.
• Step 2: After filtering, the blood is treated with medical ozone and exposed to UBI to activate the ozone molecules.
• Step 3: Finally, the filtered and ozonated blood is re-administered back into the patient’s bloodstream via IV in a second vein.

Once the blood is administered back into your body, it has been cleaned and ozonated to promote your body’s natural immune response and healing properties.

EBOO is commonly used to treat chronic inflammation, long-COVID, autoimmune issues, heavy metal toxicities, and chronic infections from mold or Lyme disease.

Though it is still widely considered an adjunct, alternative medicine, advanced IV ozone therapy may expedite the healing process—and enhance the overall health—for patients living with a range of autoimmune diseases and chronic conditions.

Ready to receive ozone therapy?

Or, if you still want to learn more about the treatment you can check out our full treatment guide here.

References

1 Pasek J, Szajkowski S, Travagli V, Cieślar G. Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Versus Local Ozone Therapy in Healing of Venous Leg Ulcers. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 20;20(3):1967. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20031967. PMID: 36767335; PMCID: PMC9915083.

2 Seyam O, Smith NL, Reid I, Gandhi J, Jiang W, Khan SA. Clinical utility of ozone therapy for musculoskeletal disorders. Med Gas Res. 2018 Sep 25;8(3):103-110. doi: 10.4103/2045-9912.241075. PMID: 30319765; PMCID: PMC6178642.
3 Tiwari, Sansriti, et al. “Dental applications of ozone therapy: A review of literature.” The Saudi Journal for Dental Research, vol. 8, no. 1–2, Jan. 2017, pp. 105–111, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjdr.2016.06.005.

4.The Possibilities of Using the Effects of Ozone Therapy in Neurology. Masan J, Sramka M, Rabarova D. Neuro Endocrinology Letters. 2021;42(1):13-21.

5.Therapeutic Relevance of Ozone Therapy in Degenerative Diseases: Focus on Diabetes and Spinal Pain. Braidy N, Izadi M, Sureda A, et al. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 2018;233(4):2705-2714. doi:10.1002/jcp.26044.

6. Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Wounds Before and After Treatment With Medical Ozone. Izadi M, Bozorgi M, Hosseine MS, Khalili N, Jonaidi-Jafari N. Medicine. 2018;97(48):e12505. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012505.

7.Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation: Clinical and Biological Implications of Ozone Therapy. Di Paolo N, Gaggiotti E, Galli F. Redox Report : Communications in Free Radical Research. 2005;10(3):121-30. doi:10.1179/135100005X38888.

8.Ozone Acting on Human Blood Yields a Hormetic Dose-Response Relationship.Bocci VA, Zanardi I, Travagli V. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2011;9:66. doi:10.1186/1479-5876-9-66. Copyright License: CC BY

9.Ozone Therapy in Medicine and Dentistry: A Review of the Literature.El Meligy OA, Elemam NM, Talaat IM.Dentistry Journal. 2023;11(8):187. doi:10.3390/dj11080187.10.Ozone Therapy in the Management and Prevention of Caries.AlMogbel AA, Albarrak MI, AlNumair SF.Cureus. 2023;15(4):e37510. doi:10.7759/cureus.37510. Copyright License: CC BY

Prenuvo and Galleri early-detection cancer tests can offer peace of mind or time to proactively plan.

With cancer diagnoses on the rise, early detection cancer tests are more vital than ever. A recent cancer report from the American Cancer Society projects a record-breaking 2 million diagnoses in the U.S. in 2024. Even more confounding than the case count is the uptick in cases that will impact the under 50 population.

For the first time, people under the age of 50 are seeing an increase in diagnoses, while the percentage of cases stemming from the 65 and up population is on the decline. And because younger generations are not accustomed to being at such high risk, they may not be as vigilant about screenings. It is important to note that while incident rates are on the rise, the risk of dying from cancer is not rising alongside incident rates.

Which types of cancers are on the rise?

According to the ACS, incidence cases for six of the most common types of cancer are growing across age demographics.

• Breast
• Prostate
• Endometrial
• Pancreatic
• Kidney
• Melanoma

Additionally, there is a spike in specific types of cancers across sub-demographics (based on gender, age, and pre-existing conditions):

• Colorectal cancer in people younger than age 55
• Liver cancer in women
• Oral cancers associated with HPV
• Cervical cancer in women ages 30 through 44

While incident rates spike, there are currently only five recommended and widely accessible cancer screenings:

• Breast (Starting at 45, younger for those at higher risk)
• Cervical (Starting at 25, every 5 years)
• Colon (starting at 45, younger for those at higher risk)
• Prostate (starting at 45, younger for those at higher risk)
• Lung (starting at 50 for those who smoke or used to smoke)

According to studies, 70% of cancer deaths are caused by cancers without recommended screenings.¹

Are early detection cancer tests necessary?

For anyone who may be at higher risk due to family history or lifestyle, early detection cancer tests may be life-preserving. Finding signs of cancer as early as possible (before the cancer has time to spread) creates the best chances survival, with some studies indicating a 5 year survival rate at 4x higher than when cancer is detected at later stages.²

Today, advancements in early detection cancer tests and scans have made it possible for younger people who may be at high risk to identify cancer cells and get ahead of treatment. Prenuvo’s Full-Body MRI Scan and Galleri’s multi-cancer early detection test are two of the most sophisticated detection options available.

What’s the difference between Galleri and Prenuvo?

Galleri Multi-Cancer Detection Test

The Galleri blood test analyzes over 1,000,000 DNA methylation sites in your blood sample to detect a specific signal shared by more than 50 types of cancer.

What can Galleri detect?

• Anyone over the age of 50
• Anyone with a family history of cancer

Prenuvo Full-Body MRI Scan

The Prenuvo MRI scans for over 500 cancers and conditions using advanced imaging techniques (with zero radiation) that detect abnormalities in your tissue.

What can Prenuvo detect?

• Anyone over the age of 50
• Anyone with a family history of cancer or other life-altering diseases.

Whether your family history puts you at a higher risk of developing cancer, or you are looking for a way to take on a more proactive role in your longevity, early detection cancer tests can grant you the time you need to proactively treat a cancer diagnosis. Our team of expert medical providers are ready to help you take the next step in preparing for your future.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2022. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2022 https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/cancer-facts-figures-2022.html. Data on file GA-2021-0065.
2. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (www.seer.cancer.gov) SEER*Stat Database: Incidence – SEER 18 Regs Research Data, Nov 2018 Sub. Includes persons aged 50-79 diagnosed 2006-2015. Data on file GA-2021-004.

Is a plant-based diet the key to health and longevity? Does what you eat really matter if you have “good genes?” These are the questions at the heart of Netflix’s latest foray into diet and wellness culture, You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment. And over the course of the docuseries, participants turn to body composition analysis from advanced technology, like DEXA scan, to find out.

Over the course of the four-part docuseries, viewers follow along as four pairs of identical twins take diverging nutritional paths, with one twin committing to a vegan diet and the other to an omnivore one. And the producers don’t just rely on anecdotal evidence to highlight the stark differences between two drastically different approaches to eating. Instead, they used advanced technology like DEXA scans to measure the fissures in cardiovascular and metabolic health between each pair over twins throughout the 8-week experiment.

What is a DEXA Scan?

The Dexa Scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) was designed to precisely measure bone density and has evolved into a full-body composition analysis tool due to its precision in distinguishing between bones,  fat, and lean mass.  

The DEXA Scan machine functions by emitting two low-dose x-ray beams that can differentiate bones, muscle, and fat. The machine then produces detailed images across each region of your body, indicating your muscle:fat ratio and overall bone density.

Why does body composition matter?

To a certain extent, you can assess your diet based on how you feel. Do you have more energy? Do you feel less brain fog? Are you sleeping better? Is your skin clearer? Your answers to all of these questions reveal whether or not you are on the right nutritional track. But perception can only take you so far. When it comes to making lasting metabolic and cardiovascular health progress, data is king.

On You Are What You Eat, each pair of twins completed a body composition analysis before embarking on their new lifestyle plans. The body composition tests visualize what’s actually happening beneath the surface–someone may feel physically fit, but a precise breakdown of body fat: lean muscle mass may reveal sneaky metabolic and cardiovascular health risks, including visceral fat. This type of fat lies deep, below the surface and around essential organs. A higher percentage of visceral fat indicates a higher likelihood of developing chronic health conditions, like type 2 diabetes. 

Not only are body composition tests necessary for sounding the alarm at early signs of chronic disease, but they also simplify the process of measuring results. No one can argue with data. Before-and-after visceral fat analysis, body fat and lean muscle mass % indicate whether or not your lifestyle changes are really making a difference in your overall health. Additionally, there’s a reason why every diet how-to article instructs readers to log their progress: it works. Tracking results over time contributes to motivation. When it comes to losing fat (or gaining muscle) there may be some weeks where the shifts are too minute to really feel. But data never lies.

The power of personalization.

No two bodies are exactly the same. As this show proves, even if you are a twin, varying lifestyles differentiate your physiology. The diets and fitness plans that work for some people may not work for others. And that’s okay. Your health and longevity doesn’t need aggregate anecdotes. It needs personalized insights. Here are a few things DEXA scans reveal about you:

• Body fat %
• Lean muscle mass
• Muscle symmetry
• Visceral fat
• Fat Mass Index (fat in relation to your height)
• Android to Gynoid ratio ( Also known as the apple to pear shape ratio. A breakdown of where fat is stored in your body. Android fat refers to fat around your belly and Gynoid fat refers to fat around your hips.)

As seen on You Are What You Eat, scales and BMI metrics are tools of the past, because your weight can only tell you so much about your health. DEXA scans are among the technologies paving the way for lasting metabolic and cardiovascular health improvement. Getting a complete picture of your muscular health, fat percentage, and chronic risk factors is the first step to achieving your weight goals and boosting your longevity. DEXA scans are among the technologies paving the way for lasting metabolic and cardiovascular health improvement.

Ready to learn more about your own body composition? Schedule your DEXA scan today.

Hudson Health is growing. In addition to our pain management, preventive wellness, and interventional mental health branches, we have launched a longevity-focused practice to help you optimize your health and increase your lifespan. 

Our newly renovated space features state-of-the-art treatments that minimize your risk of developing chronic conditions and maximize your overall vitality. Longevity Center treatments include:

DEXA Scan

Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry

 This body composition scan measures your bone density, muscle:fat ratio, and overall body composition. 

EBOO 

Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation 

EBOO is an advanced form of ozone therapy that can be used as part of a treatment protocol for inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders. This treatment helps to detoxify your system by stimulating oxygen metabolism and activating the immune system to eliminate viruses, fungi, and bacteria.

VO2 Max

Maximize your training efficiency by measuring how much oxygen your body absorbs and uses during exercise. 

Peptide Therapy

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that influence major biological processes. Our peptide therapy program harnesses the power of peptides to stimulate the release of essential hormones that regulate biological processes, like digestion, immunity, and tissue repair.

Hyperbaric Chamber*

Hyperbaric Oxygen is known to increase the supply of oxygen to the body’s tissues and increases blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. This therapy is also said to improve the performance of white blood cells as they fight off threats to the immune system. 

*Coming soon

A DEXA, short for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, is a full body composition scan that measures lean mass, fat mass, and bone density. This type of scan works by emitting low-dose x-rays that absorb bone tissue and soft tissue to compile an accurate profile of your body’s compositions and density. 

DEXA scan measurements

Patients use DEXA body composition scan to assess their risk of osteoporosis, but it’s also a valuable weight management tool. DEXA’s low-dose x-rays distinguish between different types of mass in your body: mineral mass (bones), fat, and muscle mass. By mapping out your different mass types, DEXA scans give you a comprehensive picture of your body’s composition below the scan.

• Body fat%
• Lean muscle mass
• Muscle symmetry
• Visceral fat
• Fat Mass Index (fat in relation to your height)
• Android to Gynoid ratio ( Also known as the apple to pear shape ratio. A breakdown of where fat is stored in your body. Android fat refers to fat around your belly and gynoid fat refers to fat around your hips.)

Knowing exactly where your body stores excess fat tissue can help you tailor your fitness regimen to target those areas.  Whether you’re trying to mitigate chronic pain or overhauling your nutrition to improve your lifestyle, your DEXA scan can serve as a baseline for your progress as you adapt new changes to reduce your body fat and increase your lean muscle mass. 

Learn more about the benefits of DEXA scans here.

Peptides 101: All About Melanotan (aka the Barbie Peptide)

The summer of Barbie has officially crossed over to the burgeoning world of peptide therapy. True to its name, Melanotan, or the Barbie Peptide, can actually make your skin look tanner without the risk of exposure to UV rays. 

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Peptides 101

From skincare packaging to your IG feeds, the word peptide is popping up everywhere. But what is a peptide, exactly? And how does peptide therapy work?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that influence various physiological processes, including muscle growth and digestion. The functions of peptides can vary widely based on their sequence and structure. Peptides can serve diverse biological roles, including acting as hormones, neurotransmitters, enzyme cofactors, signaling molecules, antimicrobial agents, and structural components. And because peptides are smaller than proteins, they’re easier for the body to process and use.

However, as we age the volume of peptides we naturally produce starts to decline, which can cause dysregulation across our body’s systems. Peptide therapy involves harnessing the use of specific peptides to achieve targeted health goals, like weight management, muscle growth, and an enhanced immune system.

What about Melanotan?

The Melanotan peptide was developed in the lates 80s to treat skin conditions. But it gained widespread notoriety after researchers realized that it binds to the melanocortin-1 receptor, which triggers the production of melanin to increase pigmentation. 

For decades, our cultural beauty standards have associated tan skin with health and vitality. But exposure to UV light causes damage at the cellular level, leading to premature aging and mutations in the DNA of our skin cells, which increases the risk of skin cancer. Initially Melanotan was thought to have solved this problem by increasing skin pigmentation without excessive sun exposure.

Beyond its tanning effects, research suggests that Melanotan also interacts with various receptors in the body, exerting effects beyond skin pigmentation regulation. Specifically, Melanotan has been found to bind with melanocortin receptors in the brain, which play crucial roles in regulating appetite and metabolism. By modulating these receptors, Melanotan may influence food intake, energy expenditure, and metabolic processes, potentially leading to alterations in body weight and composition.

Moreover, studies have indicated that Melanotan can affect libido and sexual function by binding with melanocortin receptors involved in the regulation of sexual behavior and arousal. This suggests a potential role for Melanotan in the management of sexual dysfunction or the enhancement of sexual desire, although further research is needed to elucidate its precise mechanisms and therapeutic implications in this context.

Are there any risks associated with Melanotan?

While these combined effects sound like a miracle medication, there are several risks you need to consider before seeking out the Barbie peptide. 

To start, Melanotan is not cleared by the FDA.  Additionally, its possible to control how much melanin is produced, which can lead to overproduction and, ultimately, melanoma. 

Many other peptides offer short-term effects, meaning that once you stop taking the peptides their benefits eventually taper off. This isn’t the case with Melanotan, whose effects are not necessarily reversible. 

So while we don’t yet have a risk-free, FDA-cleared peptide for tanning (sorry, Barbie), we do have other safe peptide options for weight loss, like Ozempic and Wegovy.

Peptide therapy, encompassing a diverse range of peptides, continues to evolve as researchers uncover novel applications and refine existing treatments. From skincare to overall health, peptides play a pivotal role in modulating physiological processes, offering targeted interventions for various conditions. As interest in peptide therapy grows, so too does the need for comprehensive research, regulatory oversight, and informed decision-making to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize risks.

While Melanotan presents an intriguing prospect for achieving a tan without UV exposure, its lack of FDA approval and potential risks underscore the importance of careful consideration and exploration of safer alternatives within the realm of peptide therapy.

Interested in more peptides? Learn more about Hudson’s peptide therapy program here.

Sermorelin is a growth hormone releasing peptide. Sermorelin peptide injections help to stimulate your pituitary gland into producing more Human Growth Hormones, which are essential to the upkeep of our bodies. In children, these hormones promote healthy bone and cartilage growth. In adults, human growth hormones help us to maintain healthy metabolisms. 

As we approach middle age it’s natural for the pituitary gland to reduce its growth hormone production. Some people try to make up for this with synthetic human growth hormone injections which increase growth hormone levels exogenously. These synthetic hormone injections inhibit the pituitary gland’s natural production and can cause a range of health issues like type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and can even exacerbate your risk of certain cancers. 

But peptides like Sermorelin do not activate the same risks because they are not synthetic. Instead they encourage the pituitary gland to increase natural production of growth hormones. 

Benefits of peptides like Sermorelin include faster recovery after exercise, increased muscle mass development, more energy and endurance, improved cognitive function, and fat reduction. 

Sermorelin peptides are also effective weight loss tool resources. Sermorelin helps to stimulate the body’s production of natural human growth hormones, which we need to regulate a healthy metabolism. Specifically, growth hormones help to maintain metabolic health by promoting the breakdown of fats and increasing the use of fatty acids for energy. So by promoting growth hormones, Sermorelin essentially helps your metabolism to run more efficiently, which can lead to fat reduction.

Sermorelin can also increase the production of insulin-like growth factors which help to improve glucose uptake in cells, which can help your body maintain energy production and manage blood sugar levels. 

 But it’s important to note that Sermorelin does not necessarily impact appetite or satiation the same way that the peptide GLP-1 does. 

Sermorelin is a very effective peptide for boosting metabolic health which is important for weight management. But Sermorelin alone is not going to help you shed weight.

Learn more about peptides here.

Exosome therapy is a regenerative treatment that helps heal and restore damaged tissue. 

Exosomes are small, membrane-bound structures that our cells release. They contain proteins, DNA, RNA, and lipids and play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication. Exosomes are therapeutic for their ability to transfer molecules and signaling factors that can promote tissue repair and regeneration. 

Exosomes are a highly effective treatment following an injury because not only do they help to suppress inflammation, but they also promote cell proliferation and the formation of new blood cells, which is essential to delivering nutrients to damaged tissues.

Learn more about Exosome therapy here.

The Ozempic rush is not showing any signs of slowing down, and emerging anecdotal evidence indicates that its benefits may extend beyond blood sugar and weight management, with more users reporting a lack of desire to consume alcohol and other addictive substances.

Originally manufactured as a drug to help diabetics manage blood sugar levels, Ozempic—and its brand competitors Wegovy and Mounjaro—gained widespread recognition from its weight loss effects. Originally approved by the FDA to help diabetics manage blood sugar levels, Ozempic—and its brand competitors Wegovy and Mounjaro—gained widespread recognition from its weight loss effects. These drugs are designed to mimic the hormone GLP-1, which is released into the intestines after eating. GLP-1 influences how our bodies and brains process food and food cravings.

While these drugs are influencing appetite for food, there is evidence to suggest that they may also influence appetite for alcohol, drugs, and nicotine.

A recent New York Times article chronicles the unexpected impact GLP-1 drugs are having on food, drink, and drug compulsions, noting that new research prompted by patient experiences could unlock insights into how the brain processes desires and addictions (1).

More research is being conducted to study the link behind GLP-1 drugs and a decreased desire to consume addictive substances, and a recent clinical trial examined the impact of GLP-1 on trial participants with alcohol use disorder (2). The trial studied whether or not the administration of GLP-1—in tandem with cognitive behavioral therapy—affects alcohol consumption. The trial of 130 participants included a placebo group who received cognitive behavioral therapy and a GLP-1 group who also received cognitive behavioral therapy. Over the course of the trial the amount of alcohol consumed decreased throughout both groups, but the group who received GLP-1 with cognitive behavioral therapy experienced a dramatic reduction in alcohol consumption. 

During the study researchers also collected brain scans to study how GLP-1 affects the brain’s response when exposed to alcohol. Among the GLP-1 participants, the researchers noticed that areas of the brain associated with addiction did not light up as much after being shown pictures of alcohol. 

How does GLP-1 satiate cravings and alter addictions? 

The findings of the study track with other early analysis of GLP-1’s effect on desire in the brain. Studies have reported that GLP-1 has a regulating effect on dopamine. As dopamine has been shown to be closely related to reward pathways, some researchers believe that the effect of GLP-1 on dopamine regulation may be responsible for its effects on reducing the rewarding effects of consumption in the brain (3). 

Unlike other addiction medications that block dopamine receptors and desire altogether, like antipsychotics, GLP-1 seems to shift attention away from chasing rewards from substances in the first place (1). 

More research is still needed to determine if drugs that mimic GLP-1 can be used to treat substance abuse problems, but early reports indicate that GLP-1 may unlock some key insights into how our brains process cravings and addiction. 

References:

1. Szalavitz, Maia. “What Ozempic Reveals about Desire.” The New York Times, 4 June 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/06/04/opinion/ozempic-weight-loss-addictions-desire.html. 

2. Klausen, Mette Kruse et al. “Exenatide once weekly for alcohol use disorder investigated in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.” JCI Insight. 2022;7(19):e159863. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.159863.

3. Eren-Yazicioglu, Candan Yasemin and Yigit, Arya and Dogruoz, Ramazan Efe and Yapici-Eser, Hale. “Can GLP-1 Be a Target for Reward System Related Disorders? A Qualitative Synthesis and Systematic Review Analysis of Studies on Palatable Food, Drugs of Abuse, and Alcohol.” Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience vol 14 (2020). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.614884