U.K. regulators have launched a study into a possible genetic link between use of GLP-1s, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, and acute pancreatitis.
Yellow Card Biobank, a joint initiative of Genomics England and the government, is calling for patients across the U.K. who have been hospitalized with acute pancreatitis after taking GLP-1s to participate, according to a June 26 news release from the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Healthcare professionals were also urged to submit reports and assist with recruitment.
Those reporting will be asked to submit saliva samples for genetic analysis, with the aim of identifying whether specific genetic traits are linked to adverse reactions to the medications.
“Almost a third of side effects to medicines could be prevented with the introduction of genetic testing,” said Alison Cave, PhD, chief safety officer for MHRA.
