Drug to curb alcohol dependence gets go-ahead

A new drug that treats alcohol dependence by removing a person’s desire to drink is due to be available on prescription in Ireland next year.

The European Medicines Agency has recommended approval of Selincro — the first approved drug therapy to proactively help curb a person’s urge to drink.

Up to now, people with an alcohol dependence had to stop drinking before beginning treatment for their addiction — a big hurdle.