The MHRA finds that there is insufficient evidence to establish a connection between GLP-1 receptor agonists and suicidal or self- injurious ideas and behaviors

Following a thorough review, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has concluded that the available evidence does not establish a causal relationship between Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and suicidal behaviour, suicidal ideation, self-injury and depression.

In July 2023, a new potential safety risk was identified associated with the GLP-1 receptor agonists exenatide, lixisenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide and semaglutide, and the risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm following an initial review of post-marketing reports.

Safety reviews were carried out by the Market Authorization Holders (MAHs) for the GLP-1 receptor agonists exenatide, lixisenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide and semaglutide to assess the potential risk. These reviews also looked at the risk of depression. This request was made in the interest of patient safety following reports of these side effects.

The MHRA evaluation of the UK post-marketing data aligned with the conclusions of a European regulatory review which analyzed the data from several sources, including post-marketing data, clinical trial data, epidemiological studies and scientific literature.

We conclude that the available data does not support a causal association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and suicide, suicidal ideation, self-injury and depression, and therefore no updates to the product information is warranted at this time. The MHRA will continue to closely monitor the risk of severe psychiatric reactions associated with these receptor agonists and will assess new data as it becomes available.

Learn more: MHRA finds evidence does not support a link between Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and suicidal and self-injurious thoughts and actions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)