Weight loss and diabetes jabs linked to potentially fatal side effect – Sky News

Report on the Safety Concerns of GLP-1 Weight Loss and Diabetes Medications in the UK

Introduction

Over one million individuals in the UK have used GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic for weight loss and diabetes management. Recent data from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has indicated a potential association between these medications and cases of pancreatitis, including some fatalities.

Reported Cases and Regulatory Response

1. MHRA data reports 181 cases of acute or chronic pancreatitis linked to Mounjaro, with five deaths.
2. Wegovy and Ozempic have been associated with 113 pancreatitis cases and one death.
3. Other GLP-1 drugs have also been linked to pancreatitis cases and deaths, though less frequently.

Despite these reports, there is currently no conclusive evidence that these drugs directly caused the deaths. The MHRA has not restricted access to these medications due to insufficient evidence.

Contextualizing Pancreatitis Risk

• Pancreatitis occurs in the general population at a rate of approximately 560 cases per million people, independent of GLP-1 drug use.
• Common causes include gallstones and alcohol consumption.

Ongoing Research and Genetic Study

In collaboration with Genomics England, the MHRA is initiating a study to investigate whether genetic factors increase the risk of pancreatitis in patients using GLP-1 drugs. Participants who reported pancreatitis through the MHRA’s ‘yellow card’ system will be invited to provide saliva samples for genetic testing.

Case Study: Patient Experience

Expert Commentary

Professor Matt Brown, Chief Scientific Officer at Genomics England, emphasized the importance of understanding genetic causes of adverse drug reactions to improve personalized medicine and minimize risks associated with GLP-1 drugs.

Clinical Information on Pancreatitis

• Main symptoms: severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea.
• Treatment: hospital care with fluids and oxygen; most recover within days.
• Complications: approximately 5% fatality rate in acute cases.

Benefits and Risks of GLP-1 Medications

For patients with type 2 diabetes or obesity, GLP-1 drugs provide significant benefits:

• Lower blood sugar levels.
• Rapid weight loss.
• Reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality by 20%.

However, for individuals using these drugs primarily for minor weight loss, the health benefits are less clear, and potential side effects, including pancreatitis, warrant caution.

Manufacturer Statements and Patient Safety

• Lilly (Mounjaro): Patient safety is the top priority. The patient leaflet warns that acute pancreatitis is an uncommon side effect (up to 1 in 100 patients). Patients with a history of pancreatitis are advised to consult healthcare professionals before use.
• Novo Nordisk UK (Wegovy, Saxenda, Ozempic): Emphasizes patient safety and the importance of using medications only for approved indications under healthcare supervision. Side effects vary, and known risks and benefits are detailed in official product information.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Ensuring safe and effective use of GLP-1 medications contributes to reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
• Ongoing pharmacovigilance and genetic research promote personalized medicine, enhancing treatment safety and efficacy.
• Raising awareness about potential side effects supports informed decision-making and patient empowerment.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Collaboration between regulatory agencies and genomics research institutions fosters innovation in healthcare.
• Development of genetic screening tools aims to minimize adverse drug reactions, improving pharmaceutical safety infrastructure.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Access to safe medications and personalized treatment approaches can reduce health disparities among different population groups.
• Monitoring and regulating private access to potent medications ensures equitable health outcomes.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The partnership between MHRA and Genomics England exemplifies multi-sector collaboration to advance public health objectives.
• Such cooperation enhances data sharing, research capabilities, and policy development for sustainable health systems.

Conclusion

The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss and diabetes management presents both significant health benefits and potential risks, including pancreatitis. Continuous monitoring, genetic research, and responsible prescribing practices are essential to maximize patient safety and treatment efficacy. These efforts contribute directly to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting health, innovation, equity, and partnerships in healthcare.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses health issues related to weight loss and diabetes medications, focusing on side effects, patient safety, and ongoing research to improve treatment outcomes.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article mentions the use of genomics and personalized medicine approaches to minimize adverse drug reactions, reflecting innovation in healthcare.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article highlights the importance of responsible use and prescription of medications, emphasizing patient safety and regulation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, and provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including health sector innovations such as genomics and personalized medicine.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize adverse impacts on human health.
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services, which can include access to safe and effective medicines like GLP-1 drugs.
   • Indicator 3.b.3: Proportion of health facilities that have a core set of relevant essential medicines available and affordable on a sustainable basis.
   • Number of reported adverse drug reactions and related deaths (e.g., pancreatitis cases and deaths linked to GLP-1 drugs reported by MHRA).
   • Data from pharmacovigilance systems such as the MHRA’s ‘yellow card’ alert system to monitor drug safety.
2. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Number of research studies and innovations in personalized medicine and genomics (e.g., MHRA and Genomics England study on genetic risk factors for pancreatitis).
3. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Regulatory actions and guidelines regarding the safe use of medicines (e.g., MHRA’s monitoring and advice on GLP-1 drugs).
   • Reporting and transparency of side effects and safety information by pharmaceutical companies.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage and access to safe, effective medicines. 3.b: Support research and development of medicines and access to essential medicines.	3.4.1: Mortality rate from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc. 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services. 3.b.3: Availability and affordability of essential medicines. Number of reported adverse drug reactions and deaths (MHRA data on pancreatitis and deaths linked to GLP-1 drugs). Pharmacovigilance reporting rates (MHRA ‘yellow card’ system).
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure	9.5: Enhance scientific research and technological capabilities, including genomics and personalized medicine.	Number of research initiatives and studies on genetic factors affecting drug safety (MHRA and Genomics England study).
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	12.4: Environmentally sound management of chemicals and reduction of adverse health impacts. 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and report on safety.	Regulatory monitoring and guidelines on drug safety (MHRA advisories). Transparency and reporting of side effects by pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Novo Nordisk and Lilly statements).

Source: news.sky.com