New research indicates that drugs targeting glucose-like peptide-1 receptors can significantly reduce nicotine cravings and aid in quitting smoking. A 2026 systematic review found that exenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), was particularly effective in promoting nicotine abstinence.
The analysis of 12 studies, including human and preclinical trials, identified exenatide as the strongest performer in enhancing nicotine abstinence, reducing cravings, and mitigating weight gain associated with quitting. While dulaglutide showed metabolic benefits, it did not improve abstinence rates. Semaglutide also exhibited indirect behavioral benefits in real-world observations.
Researchers highlighted the dual neurobehavioral and metabolic effects of GLP-1RAs, suggesting they could overcome limitations of current smoking cessation therapies. Dr. Shatavisa Mukherjee noted that GLP-1RAs could integrate addiction treatment with cardiometabolic risk reduction, especially for smokers with obesity or diabetes.
This development signals a potential shift towards managing smoking cessation as part of comprehensive chronic disease management. Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death globally, claiming millions of lives annually. Existing therapies, including nicotine replacement and oral treatments, offer suboptimal long-term abstinence rates.