The European Medicines Agency’s Safety Committee announced on April 12th that it found no evidence supporting a causal link between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) – including dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide – and suicidal or self-harming thoughts and behaviors. This comes as a relief for Novo Nordisk (NVO), whose weight-loss drug Wegovy relies on semaglutide as its primary active ingredient.
Last year, the European Medicines Agency disclosed that the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) was examining data on the risk of suicidal and self-harming thoughts associated with GLP-1RAs, such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Wegovy (semaglutide).
Semaglutide and liraglutide, both GLP-1 receptor agonists, have been approved for weight loss indications. Saxenda and Wegovy target weight loss, while Ozempic is indicated for glycemic control, though some individuals use it for weight loss. All three products hail from Novo Nordisk.
Novo Nordisk responded to the announcement, affirming its commitment to patient safety and emphasizing the significance of adverse event reporting. GLP-1RAs have been employed to treat type 2 diabetes for over 15 years and obesity for over 8 years, with Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide and liraglutide on the market for more than a decade.
This clearance alleviates concerns for Novo Nordisk, providing reassurance to investors and consumers about the safety of its GLP-1RA products. Despite regulatory scrutiny, the company’s stock has remained robust, nearly doubling in value over the past year.
Looking ahead, Novo Nordisk is likely to maintain its focus on developing and marketing weight-loss drugs, including Wegovy. The safety clearance validates its efforts in this area, potentially bolstering confidence among healthcare professionals and patients. Moreover, Novo Nordisk may seize this opportunity to further invest in research and development, expanding its portfolio of GLP-1RA-based therapies for diabetes and obesity.
Overall, the European Medicines Agency’s clearance represents a significant win for Novo Nordisk, reinforcing its position as a leader in diabetes and obesity treatment markets and paving the way for continued growth and innovation.