Novo Nordisk's Weight-Loss Drugs Saxenda and Ozempic Under EU Investigation Over Potential Suicide Risk

Intelligent Finance APP learned that Saxenda and Ozempic, two weight-loss drugs under Novo Nordisk (NVO.US), are under investigation by the EU drug regulatory agency, following multiple reports of suicide risks associated with these drugs submitted to the regulatory body.

The European Medicines Agency said in a statement on Monday that the agency is investigating adverse events noticed by the Icelandic Medicines Agency, including two cases of suicidal thoughts related to Saxenda and Ozempic, and another case involving self-harm thoughts related to Saxenda that has already been reported. The agency is examining the potential side effects on patients of drugs containing the active ingredients semaglutide or liraglutide.

In the past two years, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and its "sister product" Ozempic (both primarily contain semaglutide) have been found to significantly reduce body weight and have gained immense popularity in the market.

Moreover, the European Medicines Agency stated that it would consider whether to expand its review to other drugs in the same class, namely GLP-1 receptor agonists. Novo Nordisk said in a statement that patient safety is the "top priority" and that the company takes all reports of adverse events very seriously.