Healthy Returns: Novo Nordisk's Ozempic faces scrutiny over potential link to rare eye condition

Core Viewpoint - There is a potential new side effect associated with Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, linked to an increased risk of a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in Type 2 diabetes patients [2][3][8]. Group 1: Study Findings - Danish health authorities are requesting a review from the European Union's drug regulator based on findings from two studies that suggest a link between Ozempic and NAION [2]. - The first study analyzed data from over 400,000 diabetes patients, with a quarter using Ozempic, while the second study involved more than 44,000 Danish patients and nearly 17,000 Norwegian patients who used the drug [9]. - Both studies indicated that diabetes patients using Ozempic were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with NAION compared to those on other diabetes medications [8]. Group 2: Incidence and Risk Assessment - The Danish Medicines Agency reported 19 cases of NAION in Denmark as of December 10, with an increase in overall cases from around 60-70 annually to up to 150 since Ozempic's introduction in 2018 [4][5]. - The absolute risk of developing NAION for patients using semaglutide (Ozempic) is estimated to be low, with a 0.3% to 0.5% chance over 20 years of use [11]. - The authors of the studies noted that while there may be an increased risk, the low number of observed events suggests that any potential risk is likely limited in magnitude [12]. Group 3: Company Response and Market Impact - Novo Nordisk stated that after a thorough evaluation, they believe the benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains unchanged and emphasized patient safety as a priority [7]. - Analysts are currently not overly concerned about the potential impact of NAION on Ozempic prescriptions, suggesting that unless semaglutide is found to be unique among GLP-1s in harboring this risk, prescribing practices are unlikely to be affected [13][14].