GLP-1 Drugs Linked to Increased Risk of Serious Eye Disease in Diabetes Patients, Study Finds

A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has revealed a potential link between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and an increased risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in diabetes patients. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Toronto, adds to growing concerns about the ocular safety of these popular diabetes and obesity medications.

Study Findings and Implications

The study, which analyzed health data from 139,002 Canadian diabetes patients aged 66 and older, found that those who used GLP-1 drugs for more than six months were twice as likely to develop nAMD compared to those who did not use these medications. Over a three-year follow-up period between 2020 and 2023, 0.2% of patients in the GLP-1 group were diagnosed with nAMD, compared to 0.1% in the non-GLP-1 group.

While the overall risk of developing nAMD remained low regardless of GLP-1 usage, the study authors noted that the risk increased for patients who used the drugs for longer periods. Other risk factors for nAMD identified in the study included advanced age and a history of cerebrovascular accidents.

The majority of patients in the GLP-1 group (97.5%) were taking Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, sold under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. The remaining 2.5% were using Sanofi's lixisenatide.

Expanding Concerns Over Ocular Safety

This latest research adds to a growing body of evidence raising concerns about the potential ocular side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. In the summer of 2023, another large study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that individuals taking semaglutide for diabetes or weight loss were four to nearly eight times more likely to develop nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a serious eye condition that can cause vision loss.

The researchers emphasized that their findings demonstrate associations rather than direct cause-and-effect relationships. However, they stressed the importance of these results in expanding the understanding of potential ocular safety issues related to systemic GLP-1 receptor agonist use in diabetes patients.

Industry Implications and Future Directions

Despite these emerging concerns, pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk continue to expand their presence in the diabetes and obesity market, with efforts underway to develop oral versions of their popular GLP-1 medications. The potential link between GLP-1 drugs and serious eye conditions may have significant implications for drug labeling, patient monitoring, and future clinical trials.

As the pharmaceutical industry closely watches these developments, further research will be crucial in determining the long-term ocular safety profile of GLP-1 receptor agonists and informing future treatment guidelines for diabetes and obesity management.