Over 400 Cases of Acute Pancreatitis Reported in the UK
Authorities Launch Investigation to Determine Possible Link
Following a series of reports of acute pancreatitis occurring in patients using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) class obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Ozempic, UK health authorities have launched a safety investigation. On June 26 (local time), international media outlets including the BBC and The Guardian reported that the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has begun an investigation into cases of acute pancreatitis associated with these medications.
There have been reports in the UK of acute pancreatitis occurring after administration of GLP-1 class obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide), Zepbound and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Photo by AP and Yonhap News
This measure was taken after nearly 400 reports emerged in the UK of acute pancreatitis occurring following the administration of GLP-1 class obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide), Zepbound and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). More than a quarter of these cases were reported this year, and nearly half were associated with tirzepatide.
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. Some studies suggest that GLP-1 may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis, but pharmaceutical companies have described pancreatitis as an “uncommon reaction” in their informational materials.
The BBC also explained that, among the reported cases of acute pancreatitis, none have been definitively confirmed to be caused by obesity treatments. There are also concerns that rapid weight loss can lead to the formation of gallstones, which is one of the causes of acute pancreatitis. Nevertheless, authorities stated that they have launched an investigation to determine whether there is a link between acute pancreatitis and obesity treatments, and to identify which individuals may be more vulnerable to these side effects. The authorities plan to encourage patients aged 18 and older who develop symptoms of pancreatitis after taking GLP-1 class obesity treatments to report their cases through the official website, and will conduct research to identify genetic markers that make certain individuals more susceptible to these medications.
This measure was taken after nearly 400 reports emerged in the UK of acute pancreatitis occurring following the administration of GLP-1 class obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide), Zepbound and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News
As of May 13, there have been 10 cases recorded on the authorities’ website in which patients who received GLP-1 class obesity treatments died as a result of pancreatitis. However, the BBC reported that it has not been confirmed whether factors other than obesity treatments contributed to these deaths. Meanwhile, new GLP-1 class drugs such as semaglutide have revolutionized obesity treatment, proving to be more effective than diet and exercise alone, but side effects such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting have also been reported.
Amid the Wegovy boom, the obesity treatment market continues to grow and competition among companies is intensifying. The market size, which was $24 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $280 billion by 2040. Treatments claiming to be more effective and have fewer side effects than Wegovy have already appeared. However, one expert advised, "The effects of obesity treatments may be temporary, so it is essential to carefully consider whether they can serve as a fundamental method for weight loss."
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