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Ozempic NAION
OpenFILINGMDL 3163Pharma
73+
Total Cases
Causation
A landmark study from Massachusetts Eye and Ear / Harvard Medical School published in JAMA Ophthalmology (July 2024) found that patients prescribed semaglutide had a significantly higher risk of NAION compared to non-users — with odds ratios ranging from 4.28 (diabetes cohort) to 7.64 (overweight/obesity cohort). NAION occurs when blood flow to the anterior optic nerve is disrupted, causing sudden, painless vision loss that is typically permanent. Plaintiffs' causation theory centers on GLP-1 agonists' hemodynamic effects: rapid weight loss, reduced blood pressure, and potential vasoconstrictive effects on optic nerve microvasculature. The mechanism may involve reduced perfusion pressure to the optic nerve head in susceptible patients.
Defendants
| Entity | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Novo Nordisk | Manufacturer | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus (semaglutide) — primary defendant |
| Eli Lilly | Manufacturer | Mounjaro, Zepbound (tirzepatide) — named defendant |
Litigation Timeline
Sep 2024
First NAION-specific lawsuits filed against Novo Nordisk
Nov 2024
JPML petition filed to create separate NAION MDL
Dec 2025
JPML creates MDL 3163 — W.D. Ky.2026
73+ cases pending. Initial case management orders expected
Intelligence Signals
Courtcourt
MERINKERS v. NOVO NORDISK INC.
Courtcourt
CLARK v. NOVO NORDISK INC.
Courtcourt
TURO v. NOVO NORDISK INC.
Courtcourt
MERCHANT v. ELI LILLY AND COMPANY INC.
Courtcourt
SEXTON v. NOVO NORDISK, INC.
Key Facts
- Status
- active
Geographic Exposure
·W.D. Ky. (MDL 3163)
·Nationwide filing — emerging docket
·Parallel filings in NJ and CA state courts
Eligibility Criteria
- ✓Used Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or other GLP-1 receptor agonist
- ✓Diagnosed with NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy)
- ✓Experienced sudden vision loss during or after GLP-1 drug use
- ✓No prior history of NAION or optic neuropathy before GLP-1 use