Daily Skimm: Ozempic is under the microscope in Europe.

Double Take

The Story

Ozempic is under the microscope in Europe.

Catch me up.

Yesterday, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it’s looking into the diabetes drug after three patients reported thoughts of suicide or self-harm while using the medication. Health regulators in Iceland flagged the cases, which also involved the weight-loss treatment Saxenda. In the past year, drugs like Ozempic have become popular for off-label weight-loss use. The trend's created shortages for diabetic patients. Now, the EU’s regulators are investigating whether the active ingredients in Ozempic and Saxenda (semaglutide and liraglutide) pose a risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm to patients.

What about the US?

Since 2018, the FDA’s reportedly received at least 60 reports of suicidal thoughts in connection to semaglutide from patients or their doctors. However, the FDA reportedly hasn’t verified those cases. In the US, weight-loss drugs like Wegovy already recommend that patients be monitored for signs of self-harm or suicide. The EU investigation could lead to updated drug labels on weight-loss medications that currently don't issue similar warnings. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk — which makes Ozempic and Saxenda — said their patients’ safety is a “top priority.” The company also pointed out that late-stage trials didn't link its drugs to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

theSkimm

Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have become trendy medications thanks to TikTok and celebs. Now, an EU probe could be adding to the list of warnings about the drug’s potential side effects.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

What’s got world leaders coming together…

The NATO Summit. Today, leaders from the 31 countries in the military alliance are meeting in Lithuania for the start of their two-day event. On the agenda: the war in Ukraine, defense spending, and Sweden and Ukraine's membership. At least one of those is making progress. Sweden's now on its way to joining the alliance, after finally gaining Turkey’s support. As for Ukraine, NATO’s secretary general has said that the alliance will extend an official invitation once the war is over.

What’s top of mind...

Privacy. Yesterday, the EU and US approved a privacy data agreement that'll allow Europeans’ personal data to continue to flow into the US. For years, tech giants like Meta and Google have stored data from across the pond in America — raising flags from EU regulators. Now, the agreement ensures protections for Europeans' data. Companies like Meta welcomed the agreement. However, at least one privacy activist has said he'll challenge the deal.

Where there's outrage…

Kansas. Yesterday, a state judge ruled that Kansas can no longer allow transgender people to change the sex on their driver's licenses. Since 2019, the state has allowed people to make the necessary updates. However, the state's Republican attorney general sued, arguing that the policy violates a new state law that defines a person’s sex based on the gender assigned at birth. Now, Kansas is one of a few states that won’t let trans people update their licenses. The judge’s ruling is temporary but can be extended.

Who’s not laughing…

Sarah Silverman. The comedian and two other authors have sued OpenAI and Meta for claims of copyright infringement. They said that they didn’t consent to letting OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Meta’s LLaMA train on their work. Experts predict this lawsuit could be one of many in the future.

What people are talking about...

Northwestern University.

Who might be singing a different tune...

Colleen Ballinger.

Who's expressing herself...

Madonna.