MARYLAND NEWS – Blind man sues manufacturer of diabetes drug Ozempic over vision loss

Ananya Roy, News Writer

Todd Engel, 62, who became legally blind after taking the diabetes drug Ozempic, is suing manufacturer Novo Nordisk, claiming the company allegedly failed to warn patients about the risk of serious eye problems like nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Engel was prescribed Ozempic in 2023, and roughly four months later, he developed sudden, irreversible vision loss, ultimately forcing him to resign from his job and drastically altering his daily life.

The lawsuit, filed in New Jersey, alleges Novo Nordisk had knowledge of NAION risks dating back to clinical trials but did not include the condition on its warning label. While some studies suggest a possible link between semaglutide, the drug’s active ingredient, and NAION, experts caution that more research is needed. Novo Nordisk maintains that no causal relationship has been established and emphasizes that treatment decisions should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals. Engel’s legal team is seeking damages and a jury trial.