A recent study by researchers based in Boston suggests that the popular antidiabetic drug Semaglutide may pose a risk of vision loss. This medication, marketed under the brand names Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic by Novo Nordisk, has shown significant market growth. The estimated market size of Semaglutide in 2024 is $27.55 billion, and it is expected to reach $50.34 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8 per cent.
The Study's Focus and Findings
The study, titled "Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patients Prescribed Semaglutide," was published in JAMA Ophthalmology. It indicates that continuous use of Semaglutide, a glucagon-like-peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), may be linked to the development of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION is identified as the second most common form of optic neuropathy and a significant cause of blindness among adults. The incidence of NAION ranges from 2 to 10 cases per 100,000 people. "Our clinical observations prompted us to investigate whether Semaglutide is associated with an increased risk of NAION," the researchers stated.
Research Team and Methodology
The study involved researchers Jimena Tatiana Hathaway, Madhura P Shah, David B Hathaway, and others from institutions such as Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, and Harvard Medical School. They conducted a matched cohort study on 16,287 patients, discovering a higher risk of NAION in those prescribed Semaglutide compared to patients using non-GLP-1 RA medications for diabetes or obesity.
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Detailed Results
In a cohort of 16,827 patients, 710 had Type 2 diabetes. Out of these, 194 were prescribed Semaglutide, and 516 were prescribed non-GLP-1 RA antidiabetic medications. The median age was 59 years, with 52 per cent being female, and 979 were overweight or obese. In the Type 2 diabetes group, 17 NAION events occurred among patients prescribed Semaglutide, compared to six in the non-GLP-1 RA cohort. Over a 36-month period, the cumulative incidence rate of NAION was 8.9 per cent for the Semaglutide group. Among overweight or obese patients, 20 NAION events were reported in the Semaglutide group, versus three in the non-GLP-1 RA cohort, indicating a 6.7 percent cumulative incidence rate over 36 months. This suggests that patients treated with Semaglutide had a higher risk of developing NAION compared to those on non-GLP-1 RA antidiabetes medications.
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Market Impact and FDA Approval
Semaglutide (Ozempic) received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2017 for treating Type 2 diabetes and in December 2022 for treating obesity, typically at higher doses (as Wegovy). The demand for these and other GLP-1 RA drugs has surged, with weekly new-to-brand prescriptions in the United States increasing by approximately 60 percent from 2021 to 2023.
Medical Community's Perspective
Despite the study's findings, medical experts emphasise the need for more comprehensive data before drawing definitive conclusions. Anoop Misra, Chairman of Fortis C-Doc Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, commented, "The risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy is found to be increased in patients prescribed Semaglutide in an observational study. However, more robust studies are needed to validate these findings. In my experience of treating over 1,000 patients, no such cases have been observed."
Bottomline
While the study highlights a potential link between Semaglutide and vision loss, it underscores the necessity for further research to establish causality. As Semaglutide continues to gain popularity as an effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, understanding its full range of effects remains crucial. Patients and healthcare providers should remain vigilant, weighing the benefits and potential risks of Semaglutide therapy.