EU to review studies linking Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic to rare eye condition

Investing.com — The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Union’s drug regulator, has announced a review of two scientific studies that suggest a connection between Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO)’s popular diabetes drug, Ozempic, and a rare eye condition.

The condition, known as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, is caused by a loss of blood flow to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.

The studies, conducted by the University of Southern Denmark, indicate that patients using Ozempic may have an elevated risk of developing this eye condition. In response to these findings, Novo Nordisk has stated that it takes all reports of adverse events from the use of its medicines seriously.

The Danish pharmaceutical company also pointed out that the studies did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the key ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, and the eye condition. Semaglutide is also used in Wegovy, another Novo Nordisk product intended for weight loss.

Novo Nordisk’s internal safety assessment and review of the research studies concluded that the benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains unchanged, according to the company.

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