Maryland Man Sues Novo Nordisk, Claims Ozempic Caused His Blindness.
A Maryland man who lost his vision after taking Ozempic is suing drugmaker Novo Nordisk, alleging the popular diabetes medication caused his irreversible condition.
Todd Engel, 62, has filed a lawsuit in New Jersey Superior Court, claiming that Ozempic caused him to develop non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) a rare and serious eye condition.
Mr. Engel says he was prescribed Ozempic in August 2023, and by December, he had lost his vision and is now legally blind.
Because of his blindness, Todd Engel says he had to give up his job and can no longer drive.
“We see this as a very important case,” said Ashley Hornstein, one of Engel’s attorneys, in a statement to pharmaphorum. “An injury like this is incredibly severe, absolutely debilitating, and truly life-changing. We’re proud to represent Todd Engel and his family.”
What is NAION?
NAION is the second-leading cause of optic nerve blindness after glaucoma. Though the exact cause isn’t fully understood, it is believed to stem from reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, often resulting in permanent vision loss. There is no approved treatment for the condition.
Did Ozempic Play a Role?
The lawsuit highlights several studies, including research published in JAMA Ophthalmology, suggesting a possible link between NAION and GLP-1 receptor agonists, the drug class Ozempic belongs to. Engel’s attorneys argue that Novo Nordisk should have warned users about this potential risk.
“This is a situation where, had Novo Nordisk done the appropriate work upfront, there could have been an appropriate warning,” said Dan Lipinski, another attorney for Mr. Engel. “After the drug went on the market, there were markers adverse event reports and otherwise that could and should have prompted a label change.”
Currently, no mention of NAION appears in Ozempic’s public labeling.
A Tough Legal Battle Ahead
Despite concerns, scientific evidence tying Ozempic to NAION remains limited. Even the studies cited in the lawsuit note that no statistically significant correlation was established in part because NAION is rare, making it hard to study in large enough numbers.
Mr. Engel is represented by Motley Rice, a law firm known for taking on major corporations, including those in the pharmaceutical industry. The lawsuit includes nine counts of alleged liability, negligence, and breach of warranty.
Novo Nordisk is no stranger to legal troubles. In 2023, the company was sued – alongside Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro, by patients who suffered severe gastrointestinal side effects. That case is still working its way through the courts, and Engel’s lawyers predict a similar outcome here.
“While this is the first complaint filed over Ozempic and NAION, we’re confident there will be more,” Lipinski said. “We may ultimately see a coordinated proceeding where these cases are managed by a single judge.”
The regulatory concerns around Ozempic are growing. Last year, Denmark’s drug authority requested a formal review by the European Medicines Agency into potential links between Ozempic and NAION.
About Ozempic and NAION
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication developed by Novo Nordisk to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is part of a drug class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which also includes Wegovy and Mounjaro.
While Ozempic has gained widespread popularity, especially for off-label weight loss, safety concerns continue to emerge.
Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a serious condition that causes sudden vision loss due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Although rare, it is one of the leading causes of optic nerve-related blindness after glaucoma.
Some recent studies have raised questions about whether GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may increase the risk of NAION, but evidence remains inconclusive.
Patients taking Ozempic should consult with their healthcare provider immediately if they experience symptoms like blurred vision, partial vision loss, or sudden changes in eyesight.
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