EU Decides to Review Studies Linking Novo Nordisk's Ozempic to Rare Eye Disorder

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the drug regulator of the European Union, has announced it will review two scientific studies linking Novo Nordisk's popular diabetes drug Ozempic to a rare eye condition. This condition, known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, is caused by a loss of blood flow to the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. Studies conducted by the University of Southern Denmark suggest that patients using Ozempic may have an increased risk of developing this eye disorder. In response to these findings, Novo Nordisk stated that it takes all reports of adverse events resulting from the use of its medication seriously. The Danish pharmaceutical company also noted that the studies did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Ozempic and the eye condition concerning its main ingredient, semaglutide. Semaglutide is also used in another Novo Nordisk product, Wegovy, intended for weight loss. According to the company's internal safety assessment and review of research studies, it was concluded that the benefit-risk profile of semaglutide has not changed.