NCT07509112

Semaglutide for Treatment of People With Methamphetamine Use Disorder: the SHIFT Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Kirby Institute · Other Government
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Methamphetamine use disorder is a major public health concern in Australia and globally. GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (e.g. Ozempic) are approved for diabetes and medication, and may potentially affect craving for other substances apart from food. We do not know if this will help people who use methamphetamine ('ice') to reduce their use. This study will treat people who use methamphetamine with weekly injections of semaglutide. It will provide data on if this is a potentially safe and practical treatment for this group of people.

Detailed description

Methamphetamine use disorder is a major public health concern in Australia and globally, associated with high morbidity and limited treatment options. People with methamphetamine use disorder frequently face social marginalisation, psychiatric comorbidity, housing instability, and criminal justice involvement, contributing to poor treatment access and outcomes. At present, no pharmacotherapies have been approved for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder. While several agents have demonstrated preliminary promise-including mirtazapine, which has shown consistent findings across trials-none have yet established sufficient efficacy to achieve regulatory approval. Ongoing registrational trials, such as those evaluating extended-release naltrexone combined with bupropion, and mirtazapine, may clarify the potential role of these agents in clinical practice. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide, are approved for diabetes and obesity and have central effects on reward pathways relevant to addiction. Preclinical studies show GLP-1 agonists reduce stimulant-related dopamine signalling and drug-seeking behaviour. Observational studies in humans suggest semaglutide may reduce risk of alcohol use disorder, hospitalisations related to substance use, and overdose, and a recent randomised controlled trial demonstrated reductions in cravings, and use of, alcohol and tobacco. However, no trials have yet evaluated semaglutide in methamphetamine use disorder. This pilot study will be the first to assess its feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy for methamphetamine use disorder.

Conditions

• Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	12 weeks of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide injection	12 weeks of subcutaneous semaglutide administered once weekly, starting at 0.25 mg once weekly, titrated as tolerated up to 1.0 mg over the 12-week study period.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-05-01
• Primary completion: 2027-01-01
• Completion: 2027-03-01
• First posted: 2026-04-03
• Last updated: 2026-04-03

Locations

5 sites across 1 country: Australia