Novo Nordisk's Ozempic And Wegovy Helps Lose Weight, Not One's Mind: US Study Find No Increased Suicidal Thoughts Risk

On Friday, a comprehensive U.S. study revealed that the use of Novo Nordisk A/S's NVO drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, respectively, is not associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. 

Contrary to previous concerns, the research found a lower incidence of such thoughts among users of these drugs compared to other treatments.

Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, which has been under scrutiny after reports of suicidal ideation in patients. 

The study, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and published in 'Nature,' analyzed electronic medical record data from over 1.8 million patients. 

Semaglutide, an ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, was associated with a 49% to 73% lower risk of first-time or recurring suicidal ideations compared to other medications for controlling obesity and type 2 diabetes that work via different mechanisms.

The research team scrutinized data on 240,618 patients prescribed Wegovy or other weight loss medications and 1,589,855 patients with type 2 diabetes prescribed Ozempic or other treatments. 

Tracking the patients' medical histories through six months after they were prescribed medication, the researchers found semaglutide group patients for weight loss had a 0.11% risk of first-time suicidal ideations (among those without a prior history) and approximately a 7% risk of recurrent suicidal ideation (among those with a prior history), compared to 0.43% and 14%, respectively, for the group prescribed other weight loss medications.

Price Action: NVO shares are down 0.60% at $106.99 on the last check Friday.

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