STAT+: FDA warns GLP-1 drugs carry potential risk of rare eye condition

Agency requiring pharma companies to inform patients, doctors of ‘eye stroke’ condition Adobe Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. The Food and Drug Administration on Monday warned that GLP-1 drugs carry a potential risk for a rare but serious eye condition and required pharma companies to inform patients and doctors of the risk. The condition, called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, is sometimes referred to as an “eye stroke” and is caused by insufficient blood flow to the optic nerve. It typically causes sudden vision loss and, in severe cases, can lead to blindness. There are currently no proven treatments for the condition. GLP-1 drugs such as Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound have exploded in popularity for their potent weight loss effects, but as with any drugs that are given to large populations, side effects can show up in real-world use that weren’t observed in clinical trials. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe National Biotech Reporter Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70.