The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has determined that there is no evidence linking GLP-1 receptor agonists—a popular class of drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity—to suicidal thoughts. This announcement follows a comprehensive review initiated over a year ago in response to reports of suicidal or self-harming thoughts among some patients.
The review focused on GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic. The latter contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is prescribed for Type 2 diabetes management. Despite concerns raised by a subset of patients, the MHRA’s findings confirm that the available data does not substantiate a connection between these medications and increased risks of suicide, suicidal ideation, self-injury, or depression.
“The review did not reveal any causal link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and the reported psychological issues,” the MHRA stated. “As such, there is no need to update the product information at this time.”
This review by the UK’s health regulator aligns with earlier findings from the European Union. In April, the EU drug regulator concluded that there was no evidence connecting GLP-1 receptor agonists with suicidal thoughts. Similarly, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported in January that its preliminary review found no evidence of such a link, although it pledged to continue monitoring the issue.
The MHRA’s decision provides reassurance to patients and healthcare providers about the safety profile of these medications, which are widely used for their effectiveness in managing diabetes and aiding weight loss.
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