No Link Found Between Popular Diabetes Drugs and Suicidal Thoughts: UK Health Regulator

Britain's health regulator, MHRA, concludes that the available data does not show a link between GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic, and suicidal thoughts. This follows similar findings from the EU and the US FDA. No updates to product information are warranted.

Britain's health regulator, the MHRA, has stated that there is no clear connection between a popular class of diabetes and obesity drugs, including Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, and suicidal thoughts. The agency reviewed safety data for GLP-1 receptor agonists after receiving reports of patients experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts.

'Our conclusion is that the available data does not support a causal association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and suicide, suicidal ideation, self-injury, and depression. No updates to product information are warranted at this time,' the MHRA stated. This UK review was initiated shortly after the European Union conducted similar investigations, including Wegovy and Ozempic.

In April, the EU drug regulator found no evidence linking these medicines to suicidal thoughts. Likewise, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's January preliminary review did not find evidence but will continue to study the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)