Send us Fan MailUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) associate professor Sarah M. Kattakuzhy, MD, joins “The UMB Pulse” this month to talk about her research exploring whether semaglutide (a GLP-1 medication widely used for diabetes and weight management) could help reduce cravings and improve outcomes for people with stimulant use disorder.Kattakuzhy, who is also the co-director of the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine at UMSOM, describes the design of the STAC Study, which is evaluating the safety and tolerability of semaglutide in people with cocaine use disorder, including participants with and without HIV, while also tracking secondary outcomes such as changes in drug use and cravings.She also discusses why stimulant use disorders, including cocaine and methamphetamine use disorder, have been especially challenging to treat, and how her work through the University of Maryland, Baltimore community-based research partnerships aims to expand treatment options and reduce stigma around substance use disorders.To learn more about this trial or for referrals, contact Dr. Kattakuzhy at [email protected]:00 Introduction to Addiction and New Research00:40 Meet Dr. Sarah Kattakuzhy01:45 A Day in the Life of Dr. Kattakuzhy03:57 The Journey to Addiction Research07:40 Exploring Semaglutides for Addiction Treatment12:34 Details of the Clinical Trial20:29 Challenges and Hopes in Addiction Treatment24:31 Collaborations and Future Directions27:39 Final Thoughts and Takeaways32:13 Post-Interview InsightsListen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at [email protected].