Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Genomics England running study to better understand GLP-1 medicines

Have you experienced acute pancreatitis whilst taking a GLP-1 medicine like Ozempic (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide)?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Genomics England are running the Yellow Card Biobank study to better understand GLP-1 medicines. The study aims to improve our understanding of how a patient’s genetic makeup may increase their risk of experiencing side effects to medicines.

The current phase of the project is looking for people who have taken GLP-1 medicines, either prescribed by their doctor or purchased privately, to treat type 2 diabetes or for weight loss. You may know these drugs by their brand names, such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, Bydureon, Byetta, Trulicity, Rybelsus and Mounjaro.

Side effects place a big strain on the NHS and account for 1 in 6 hospital admissions. Understanding why some people experience harmful side effects could help healthcare professionals use genetic testing to ensure patients receive the safest medication for them. Recent data suggests that genetic testing could reduce side effects by 30%.

If you have experienced side effects, you can report them by filling in a Yellow Card. You will need to provide your contact details and select “Yes” to being contacted by the Biobank team.

If you meet the study criteria you will be invited to join the Biobank study by your preferred contact method. You’ll then be asked to complete a questionnaire about you and your health and provide a saliva sample using a kit posted to your home.

For more information, please visit: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/biobank

Anyone can report an issue with a medicine, vaccine, medical device (including software, apps and artificial intelligence), blood product or e-cigarette to the Yellow Card scheme. Find out more here: Yellow Card | Making medicines and medical devices safer