Regulators and studies probe semaglutide link to NAION
Regulators, researchers and US courts are examining a possible link between semaglutide and non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare cause of sudden vision loss. Novo Nordisk reported three confirmed NAION cases among GLP-1 trial participants versus five in placebo across 96,829 participants and more than 205,000 participant-years, and said randomized-trial data did not show increased incidence. By contrast, several large observational meta-analyses covering millions of people and the European Medicines Agency concluded there is an association, and the EMA in June 2025 classified NAION as a very rare side effect of semaglutide. Litigation with 216 pending actions is ongoing.
European regulators list NAION as a very rare semaglutide side effect.
Context
Trials, observational studies and regulator reviews have produced mixed findings. European regulators added warnings and legal cases have been consolidated, so more reviews and court actions may follow.
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