Pharmacotherapy development remains a critical objective for reducing health and societal
burdens associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Developing targeted treatments for
specific AUD subgroups is a key aim under the NIAAA medication development strategy. Among
those with AUD, cigarette smokers comprise a sizable and critical subgroup with
disproportionally high long-term health risks, making it a key priority to advance therapies
for concurrent AUD and cigarette smoking. Recent preclinical evidence indicates that
glucagon-type peptide-1, an incretin hormone, impacts both alcohol and nicotine motivation
and intake. This project will utilize human laboratory screening procedures to evaluate a
GLP-1 receptor agonist as a novel candidate therapy for smokers with AUD. Participants who
meet criteria for AUD and report smoking will complete laboratory alcohol administration
procedures while receiving medication or placebo. This study will provide initial human data
on the effects of a GLP-1 receptor agonist in relation to alcohol-related outcomes, including
both alcohol and nicotine motivation, in participants with AUD. Validation of a candidate
monotherapy for joint alcohol and nicotine reduction could have substantial public health
impact.