EU regulator clears weight-loss drugs of causing suicidal thoughts
After an extensive nine-month investigation, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has concluded that there is no causal relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists—a class of drugs used for diabetes and weight loss—and suicidal thoughts. The probe began following reports from Iceland's health regulator about three cases of patients experiencing such thoughts after taking medications from Novo Nordisk that contained semaglutide or liraglutide. The EMA's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) reviewed data from medical records, clinical trials, and post-marketing surveillance, ultimately deciding that no changes to the drugs' product information were warranted.
The findings align with a preliminary review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted in January, which also found no connection between GLP-1 drugs and suicidal ideation or behavior. The EMA's PRAC emphasized that ongoing monitoring for any suicidal thoughts or actions remains a requirement for the drug manufacturers. The drugs in question, which include Ozempic and Wegovy, are commonly prescribed for managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients and for weight management in overweight individuals. The outcome of the investigation is expected to alleviate concerns regarding the safety profile of these medications for both patients and the manufacturers, Novo Nordisk and its competitor Eli Lilly.
