Core Viewpoint - The Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk's semaglutide drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, are reported to potentially cause severe vision impairment, specifically a rare side effect known as NAION, leading to compensation claims from affected patients [2][5]. Group 1: Patient Compensation Claims - A total of 43 patients have filed compensation claims with the Danish Patient Compensation Association after experiencing NAION following the use of Ozempic or Wegovy [2]. - The association has ruled on the first five cases, granting compensation in four instances, while one case was dismissed [2]. - The total compensation amount for the four patients is approximately 800,000 Danish kroner (around 878,000 RMB), with potential increases if patients suffer income loss due to NAION [5]. Group 2: Nature of NAION - NAION is described as a serious condition affecting the front part of the optic nerve, potentially leading to permanent vision loss and field defects [1][5]. - The occurrence rate of NAION due to semaglutide is reported to be less than 0.01% [5]. Group 3: Regulatory Actions and Research - The Danish Medicines Agency issued a warning to the European Medicines Agency based on two large Danish studies indicating a link between semaglutide and NAION [5]. - The European Medicines Agency confirmed that NAION is a rare side effect of Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus [5]. Group 4: Patient Population and Side Effects - It is estimated that by the end of 2025, over 50 million people globally will have used semaglutide, with around 22-25 million for diabetes treatment and 16-18 million for weight loss [6]. - Common side effects of semaglutide include gastrointestinal reactions, while severe side effects can include acute pancreatitis and gallbladder disease [6].

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug semaglutide has been linked to severe vision damage, with 43 patients filing for compensation in Denmark due to a rare side effect known as NAION [1][4][5] Group 1: Patient Compensation and Legal Proceedings - The Danish Patient Compensation Association reported that 43 patients experienced severe eye disease NAION after using Ozempic or Wegovy, with initial rulings on five cases resulting in four compensations [1][2] - The total compensation for the four patients is approximately 800,000 Danish kroner (about 878,000 RMB), with potential increases if patients suffer income loss due to NAION [4] Group 2: Medical and Regulatory Insights - NAION is a serious condition affecting the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss and is considered a rare side effect of semaglutide-containing drugs [4][5] - The Danish Medicines Agency issued a warning based on two large studies indicating a link between NAION and semaglutide, with the European Medicines Agency confirming this association in June 2025 [4][5] Group 3: Market and Usage Statistics - Despite the low incidence rate of NAION (less than 0.01%), the large patient population using semaglutide raises concerns about other complications and side effects [5] - By the end of 2025, it is estimated that over 50 million people globally will have used semaglutide, with approximately 22-25 million for diabetes treatment and 16-18 million for weight loss [5]