TGA Warns GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic Linked to Rare Eye Blindness July 25

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration issued a safety warning on July 24 linking GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs to a rare but serious eye disorder that can cause permanent blindness. The TGA identified 36 cases of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) among users of semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide. The regulator updated product information but did not restrict prescriptions, leaving the decision to individual doctors and patients.

What the TGA warning covers

The Therapeutic Goods Administration warned that GLP-1 medicines including Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide) may cause NAION. The eye disorder disrupts blood flow to the optic nerve, causing sudden vision loss without pain. No treatment exists to restore sight once NAION develops. The TGA said patients should seek urgent medical attention if they experience sudden or partial vision loss.

How many cases have been reported

Australia’s national adverse events database recorded 36 cases of NAION linked to GLP-1 drugs as of July 24. Twenty-three cases involved semaglutide users, ten involved tirzepatide, and three involved liraglutide. The TGA first identified the potential link in 2024 after a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association Ophthalmology examined nearly 17,000 US patients and found semaglutide users had higher NAION risk than those on non-GLP-1 diabetes medications.

Why the warning matters for investors

Novo Nordisk (NVO), which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, trades at AUD $49.08 with Meyka grading the stock B and forecasting AUD $3.43 yearly. Merck (MRK), maker of Mounjaro, sits at AUD $131.42 with a B+ grade and AUD $145.49 yearly forecast. The warning creates regulatory uncertainty but the TGA stopped short of restricting prescriptions, meaning patient access remains unchanged. Eli Lilly (ELI), which produces tirzepatide-based treatments, was not provided with Meyka data but faces similar scrutiny.

What patients and doctors should do

The TGA does not recommend patients stop treatment without consulting their doctor. Patients should watch for sudden vision loss, partial vision loss, or dark areas in their field of view. Prof Helen Danesh-Meyer from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists noted NAION is very rare while the conditions these drugs treat, such as heart attacks and stroke, are common. Individual risk-benefit decisions should guide treatment choices.

Final Thoughts

The TGA’s warning highlights a rare but serious safety signal without halting GLP-1 use. With Novo Nordisk graded B and Merck graded B+, both face regulatory headwinds but maintained market access. Investors should monitor for further restrictions or label changes.

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The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.