New Study to Explore Genetic Risks Behind Pancreatic Reactions to Weight Loss Injections
British health authorities have launched an investigation into reports of pancreatic complications associated with weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. The research, led by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in collaboration with Genomics England, aims to identify genetic markers that may predispose patients to severe side effects like pancreatitis.
Seeking Patient Participation Through Yellow Card Reports
The MHRA is calling on individuals aged 18 and older who have experienced hospitalization due to acute pancreatitis after using these medications to report their cases through the Yellow Card scheme. Patients will be invited to participate in a genetic study by providing additional medical information and a saliva sample. The objective is to refine patient safety by customizing drug prescriptions based on genetic profiles.
Weight Loss Drugs Under Scrutiny
Though drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have shown promise in combating obesity and managing type 2 diabetes, hundreds of adverse reaction reports, including ten deaths linked to pancreatitis, have raised concerns. However, it remains unclear whether these outcomes were directly caused by the medications or influenced by other health conditions.
Many patients acquire these treatments online from unregulated sources, making it difficult to track exact usage statistics. The MHRA also noted that Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in some users.
Toward Personalized Medicine
Dr. Alison Cave, the MHRA’s Chief Safety Officer, emphasized the potential of genetic screening to prevent nearly a third of adverse drug reactions. She warned that such events may cost the National Health Service (NHS) over £2.2 billion annually due to extended hospitalizations.
Professor Matt Brown, Chief Scientific Officer at Genomics England, reiterated that GLP-1 receptor agonists, despite their therapeutic benefits, carry risks that could be mitigated by genetic insights. “The goal is a more preventative, personalized approach to prescribing,” he said.
This study is seen as a significant step toward enhancing drug safety and moving the healthcare system closer to precision medicine, where treatments are tailored not only to patient needs but also to their genetic predispositions.
