Weight loss and diabetes medications taken by more than one million people across the UK have been linked to 294 cases of pancreatic inflammation and six deaths, according to new data from the medicines regulator.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that drugs including Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic may be associated with pancreatitis, a potentially serious condition affecting the pancreas.
In response to these findings, the MHRA and Genomics England are launching a genetic study to identify individuals who may be at higher risk of developing this side effect when taking these GLP-1 drugs.
The MHRA figures show that Mounjaro has been linked to 181 reported cases of acute or chronic pancreatitis, with five deaths recorded.
Mounjaro has been linked to 181 reported cases of acute or chronic pancreatitis
GETTYWegovy and Ozempic have been associated with 113 reports of pancreatic inflammation and one death.
Additional cases and deaths have been connected to other less commonly prescribed versions of GLP-1 drugs.
The regulator emphasised that no evidence exists to prove these medications directly caused the deaths, and the data is not sufficient to warrant restricting access to the drugs.
The reports were collected through the MHRA's yellow card alert system, which allows healthcare professionals and patients to report suspected adverse reactions.
Pancreatitis affects approximately 560 cases per million people in the general population, with gallstones and alcohol being the primary causes.
The MHRA and Genomics England are now recruiting patients who experienced pancreatitis whilst using these medications to participate in a genetic study.
Participants who reported adverse reactions through the yellow card system will be asked to provide saliva samples for genetic testing.
The research aims to determine whether certain genetic factors make some individuals more susceptible to developing pancreatic inflammation when taking GLP-1 drugs.
This pioneering study could lead to more targeted prescribing practices, potentially preventing serious side effects in vulnerable patients.
Professor Matt Brown, chief scientific officer of Genomics England, said: "GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic and Wegovy have been making headlines, but like all medicines, there can be a risk of serious side effects.
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Adverse reactions may have genetic causes
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"We believe there is real potential to minimise these, with many adverse reactions having a genetic cause.
"This next step in our partnership with the MHRA will generate data and evidence for safer and more effective treatment through more personalised approaches to prescription."
Pancreatitis symptoms include severe central abdominal pain, fever and nausea.
Acute cases require hospital treatment with fluids and oxygen, with most patients recovering within days. However, complications can occur, and approximately five per cent of acute cases prove fatal.
Despite these risks, the medications offer significant benefits for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity, including blood sugar control, substantial weight loss and a 20 per cent reduction in cardiovascular deaths.
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