The US Food and Drug Administration has ordered manufacturers of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, including those made by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, to add a warning about a potential increased risk of blindness. The agency cited a rare but serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (Naion), which can cause acute, painless vision loss. The FDA said it reviewed clinical trial data, animal studies, and postmarketing reports, finding a Naion incidence rate of 6.4 events per 100,000 person years in GLP-1 users compared to 3.8 in control groups.
Novo Nordisk stated it remains confident the benefits of the drugs outweigh the risks and will continue monitoring safety. The decision follows a July 2024 study in *JAMA Ophthalmology* that first raised concerns. The move is expected to spark debate over the drugs’ side effects and broader economic impacts.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing