Britain Investigates Links Between Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs and Suicide and Self-Harm

Britain is investigating several diabetes and weight loss drugs manufactured by multinational pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, and Eli Lilly in connection with the emergence of suicidal thoughts and self-harm behaviors. The European Union began this investigation two weeks ago. Reuters reported on Wednesday, July 25, that following reports from several patients suffering from diabetes and obesity in Europe, who experienced suicidal thoughts or self-harm after taking certain medications used for diabetes and weight loss, Britain is reviewing these drugs. The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency stated on Tuesday, July 24, that it is examining safety data regarding 'glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists' prescribed for blood sugar control and obesity stemming from this disease. These drugs include 'Ozempic' manufactured by Novo Nordisk, which contains the active ingredient 'semaglutide' and is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Another drug from the same company, 'Saxenda', which contains the active ingredient 'liraglutide' and is approved for weight loss, was introduced to the market before Ozempic. Saxenda is less effective in treating obesity compared to the newer drug 'Wegovy', which contains semaglutide. The Danish multinational pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk informed Reuters that it received a request from the UK Medicines Agency on Monday regarding the investigation of potential suicidal thoughts and self-harm associated with 'glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists'. The company added that 'the review is ongoing and a response will be provided in due course.' The drugs 'exenatide', marketed as 'Byetta' and 'Bydureon' by the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca, 'lixisenatide' from the French company Sanofi, and 'dulaglutide' from the American company Eli Lilly are also included in the UK Medicines Agency's review. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists – or GLP-1 – were initially developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These drugs mimic an intestinal hormone that suppresses appetite and enhances feelings of fullness. Between 2020 and July 5 of this year, the UK Medicines Agency received five reports of suspected adverse drug reactions related to semaglutide associated with 'suicidal behavior and self-harm' through its yellow card scheme for collecting and monitoring safety concerns such as drug side effects. Dr. Alison Qiu, the agency's chief safety officer, stated: 'Patient safety is our top priority. We will carefully review all available evidence and will communicate any further recommendations to patients and healthcare professionals if necessary.' The agency is also investigating the potential link between glucagon-like peptide drugs and the risk of thyroid cancer.