Investigation Launched into Ozempic and Wegovy After Serious Health Reports

The popular weight-loss injections, Ozempic and Wegovy, are currently utilized by approximately 1.5 million individuals in the United Kingdom, potentially making them the most widely used medications in the country.

The British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has initiated an investigation into the active substances found in these medications--tirzepatide in Mounjaro and semaglutide in Ozempic and Wegovy--following reports linking them to several serious health incidents, including a dozen fatalities and 294 severe cases of pancreatitis.

Reports suggest these medications may be associated with pancreatic inflammation, according to multiple British news outlets. However, it is important to note that current evidence does not conclusively establish a causal relationship between the drugs and the reported health issues, and the indications surrounding these cases are not sufficiently clear to justify withdrawing these medications from the market. Many people develop pancreatitis independently of these treatments.

A forthcoming study aims to investigate whether there may be a genetic predisposition that leads certain individuals to develop pancreatitis as a result of these medications. This research will involve affected individuals providing saliva samples for genetic testing.

Professor Matt Brown from Genomics England emphasized the potential risks associated with Ozempic and Wegovy, stating that, like all medications, they can lead to serious side effects. He mentioned that if a genetic link is identified, it might be possible to minimize these risks.

The MHRA and Genomics England are collaborating to gather data and evidence to facilitate a more personalized approach to treatment, aiming to enhance patient safety and efficacy.