A comprehensive U.S. study has found no evidence linking the use of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic or Wegovy to an increase in suicidal thoughts, as reported by researchers on Friday.
Both Ozempic, designed for type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, an obesity treatment, share the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Contrary to concerns, the analysis of electronic medical records from over 1.8 million patients revealed a lower risk of new and recurrent suicidal thoughts in those taking semaglutide compared to individuals using alternative medications for weight loss or diabetes.
Semaglutide, belonging to the GLP-1 agonists drug class initially developed for type 2 diabetes, not only aids in controlling blood sugar levels but also induces a feeling of fullness.
Previously, reports of suicidal ideation linked to semaglutide prompted an investigation by the European Medicines Agency, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration listed suicidal ideation as a potential safety signal for GLP-1 drugs.
Last year, a Reuters review highlighted 265 reports received by the FDA regarding suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients using semaglutide or similar medications since 2010. While adverse event reports do not conclusively establish a link between a drug and a side effect, they alert regulators to potential risks.
The study, published online in the journal Nature and funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, examined data on 240,258 U.S. patients prescribed Wegovy or alternative weight loss medications and nearly 1.6 million individuals with type 2 diabetes prescribed Ozempic or other treatments.