The lawsuits involving GLP-1 drugs are still ongoing. New cases are being accepted as the litigation continues to evolve.

Harvard Medical School published a study linking semaglutide use to an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition that can lead to sudden vision loss.

Judge Gene E. K. Pratter, overseeing the Ozempic and Mounjaro MDLs (multidistrict litigation), passed away unexpectedly. The MDLs were reassigned, which led to delays in the litigation process.

A total of 55 lawsuits alleging severe gastrointestinal injuries from GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, were consolidated into a federal MDL in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients using GLP-1 drugs. The FDA’s preliminary evaluation did not find evidence linking these medications to suicidal thoughts or actions.

Judge James Cain, Jr. rejected Novo Nordisk’s attempt to dismiss the first case, allowing failure to warn claims to proceed.

The FDA updated the warning labels for Ozempic to include risks of intestinal blockage, obstruction, and ileus, following reports of more than a dozen cases. This update came after 18 cases of ileus were reported to the FDA, with a total of over 8,500 reports of gastrointestinal issues related to drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Ileus was mentioned in 33 cases, including two deaths. This labeling update matched the existing warnings for other GLP-1 drugs and receptor agonists.

The first lawsuit is filed alleging severe gastrointestinal injuries from Ozempic and Mounjaro. This lawsuit marked a significant legal challenge related to the side effects of these drugs, leading to summonses issued to Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) reported shortages of Ozempic and Wegovy due to heightened demand.

• Seven lawsuits were centralized into a multi-district litigation (MDL) in Delaware concerning patent infringement related to Ozempic (semaglutide). This litigation focused on protecting Novo Nordisk’s patents against generic drug makers.
• A research letter published in JAMA Internal Medicine linked Ozempic to an increased risk of gallbladder disease and gallstones, prompting related lawsuits alleging inadequate warnings.

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The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for managing blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients.

The FDA approved Wegovy (semaglutide) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, who also have weight-related medical problems. Wegovy is also approved for use in children aged 12 years and older.

The FDA approved Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in adults. Rybelsus is a tablet form of semaglutide, allowing patients to take the medication orally rather than through injections.

The FDA approved Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide) for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in adults. Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and known heart disease

The FDA approved Saxenda (liraglutide) for chronic weight management in adults and children aged 12 years and older with obesity or overweight. Saxenda is also indicated for use in addition to diet and exercise.

The FDA approved Trulicity (dulaglutide) for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes in adults. Trulicity is a once-weekly injection that helps to control blood sugar levels and may also reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.