GLP-1 obesity drug, produced by Novo Nordisk, driving mass market uptake while facing safety labeling and rising competition from Lilly.
The FDA has required warning labels on GLP-1 drugs used for obesity and diabetes after reviewing data that link a rare eye condition, NAION, to these medications. The warning covers a dozen drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Trials and real-world data show NAION occurrences are rare but higher than in non-GLP-1 therapies.
Foundayo, the oral GLP-1 weight-loss pill by Eli Lilly, has been authorised by the MHRA for weight management and type 2 diabetes. It will be available privately; NHS adoption depends on NICE evaluation. Several UK outlets report on uptake, pricing, side effects and competing pills, including Wegovy and Wegovy HD.
A BBC Business report notes rising use of weight-loss drugs in 2024-25, with a focus on male users and safety concerns, while other outlets explore personal journeys with GLP-1 medications and gut health trends.
New observational data suggests Shingrix vaccination in older adults is associated with lower cardiovascular risk and reduced dementia incidence over multi-year follow-ups. Studies compare Shingrix to Zostavax and find reductions in heart disease, stroke, and dementia, with stronger signals in men for heart outcomes.
A set of weight-loss drugs known as GLP-1s show strong average effectiveness, but a notable minority of patients experience little to no weight loss. Researchers are investigating why responses vary, aiming to tailor treatments and improve cost-effectiveness.
Companies are reviewing coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as costs rise. Some have already trimmed benefits, while others cite long-term employee health benefits as a reason to maintain or adjust coverage. The trend could raise healthcare costs for employers and influence benefits strategies.
Novo has laid out a plan to diversify beyond Wegovy and Ozempic as it faces looming exclusivity losses. Capital Markets Day signals a push into cardiovascular, liver and blood disorders with a target to expand its pipeline, while investors question credibility and near-term milestones amid a evolving GLP-1 landscape dominated by Lilly.
Lawsuits allege GLP-1 diabetes drugs may cause nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), an eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly dispute the claims as regulators review data; meanwhile trials and studies show mixed signals about risk.
FDA warns that GLP-1 receptor agonists may carry a rare risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, prompting safety labels and clinical monitoring. New labels affect Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro as agencies push patients and providers to report vision changes promptly. Regulators say the risk is rare but serious, with guidance to discontinue therapy if NAION develops.