Are GLP-1s causing blindness? Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly face lawsuits in US

Numerous US residents have initiated personal injury lawsuits against pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, makers of popular GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, over alleged failure to warn of a rare ocular disorder called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition impacts the optic nerve, potentially causing sudden, painless vision loss.

Although researchers are exploring a potential correlation between GLP-1 medications and NAION, no definitive proof has emerged linking the drugs to the condition. The first hint of a possible safety concern surfaced in 2024, following observations at a single health center in Boston. Since then, investigators and regulatory bodies have been investigating the alleged connection between these medicines and eye health issues.

Novo Nordisk, the producer of Ozempic and Wegovy, maintains that the lawsuits against them are without merit, emphasizing their commitment to patient safety and continuous monitoring of the product's safety profile. Eli Lilly, responsible for Mounjaro and Zepbound, also asserts its dedication to patient safety and ongoing safety evaluations.

Although vision-related complications are already listed among the potential side effects of these medications, the FDA does not obligate manufacturers to explicitly mention NAION on their product labels. The FDA's Sentinel Initiative is scrutinizing the possible safety signal involving GLP-1 drugs and NAION, a review that is still in progress.

While regulators in certain nations have adopted a distinct stance, citing available evidence, the European Medicines Agency and Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration have mandated warnings regarding an elevated risk of NAION with specific GLP-1 medications. Both regulatory bodies classify NAION as a rare, potential adverse reaction.