Latest news with #diabeticretinopathy
Medical News Today
12 hours ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Does semaglutide really contribute to vision loss?
As the popularity of GLP-1 medications used for weight loss continues to increase, more research is being done to further examine potential side effects of these medications. One such side effect is possible eye issues and vision loss, for which there is currently a great deal of conflicting studies link GLP-1 use to an increased risk for ocular diseases such as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), diabetic retinopathy, papillitis, and optic nerve disorders. A new study reports that using semaglutide is not associated with an increased risk for eye disorders or diabetic this new study found a connection between semaglutide use and NAION, researchers say that the current evidence is insufficient to establish a definitive connection between the two. As the popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) used for the treatment of diabetes and in some cases for weight loss continues to increase, more research is being done to further examine potential side effects of these medications. One such side effect is possible eye issues and vision loss, for which there is currently a great deal of conflicting information. For example, a study published in July 2024 found participants taking semaglutide — the active ingredient found in Ozempic and Wegovy — were potentially at a higher risk of developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Research published in February 2025 linked use of both semaglutide and tirzepatide — the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro — to not only an increased risk for NAION, but also papillitis and paracentral acute middle maculopathy. More recently, two studies published earlier this month showed similar findings. One study discovered that those taking semaglutide or tirzepatide may be at a higher risk of developing NAION than previously reported, as well as an increased risk of developing other optic nerve while the second study did not find a correlation between GLP-1 use and an increased risk for NAION, it did report a possible heightened chance for diabetic an additional study, also published this month in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology, reports that semaglutide is not associated with an increased risk for eye disorders or diabetic while the study did find a connection between semaglutide use and NAION, researchers say that the current evidence is insufficient to establish a definitive connection between the two. Why is there so much conflicting information on GLP-1s and eye issues? For those currently using or considering using GLP-1 medications, it can be confusing and frustrating to have multiple studies with differing — and sometimes conflicting — findings around a potential risk to eye health and vision. 'We've seen a couple of studies now that are coming out, especially because of how regularly these medications are being used now,' Benjamin Bert, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA — who was not involved in any of these studies — told Medical News Today.'And as expected, when we're talking about rare diseases, especially things like NAION, we do see some variability in the results that have been coming out,' added Bert.'Most of the research that's been published, including one of these two recent studies, does continue to support the idea that there is an increased risk of NAION occurring in patients that are taking these GLP-1 medications,' he continued.'It really just tells me that it's important, again, to go over all the risks and benefits with the patients of these different medications, and just let them know, hey, this is something new, we're still finding out about it, but there have been these reports of increasing the incidence,' Bert told us. 'We are seeing so many patients utilizing these drugs [that] we will see other complications during patient use that some would attribute to side effects of the medication,' David I. Geffen, OD, FAAO, director of optometric and refractive services at the Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, CA, who was not involved in the research, explained to MNT. 'At this time early research in general shows the plus side of these medications outweighs some potential side effects.'Semaglutide not associated with diabetic retinopathy or eye disordersIn this most recent study, researchers conducted a systematic review of 78 clinical trials involving semaglutide use and ocular issues — including NAION, diabetic retinopathy, and eye disorders — encompassing more than 73,000 study participants. 'The risk of diabetic retinopathy came with the results of the SUSTAIN 6 trial, the first that compared the effect of semaglutide in cardiovascular outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes,' Fernando Gerchman, MD, PhD, professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre in Brazil and senior author of this study, told MNT. 'Observational data demonstrated a possible association between semaglutide and NAION,' Gerchman continued. 'This was replicated for others, but not in all studies published that look at this. We had the unique opportunity to meta-analyze with data derived from clinical trials. Our results confirmed these findings. However, there is some imprecision in our analyses and our findings need to be replicated.' Upon analysis, researchers found that semaglutide use was not associated with an increased risk for diabetic retinopathy or eye disorders. And although they did find a correlation between semaglutide use and NAION, scientists believe the evidence currently available is not enough to establish a definitive conclusion and more studies are needed.'These findings reassure [those] who prescribe semaglutide about the safety of doing that in diabetes and obesity,' Gerchman said. 'The risk of NAION needs to be taken into account and may help to decide about a more conservative approach in the definition of beginning semaglutide for those subjects without a clear indication for that.'Do I need to worry about my eyes when taking Ozempic? When looking at the results of these studies, Bert said it's important to note that when looking at the increases of percentages, it demonstrates that it is still very, very rare for a condition like NAION to occur.'[This study] reported in the control population that it was about 0.02% of the patients (with NAION), and in the treated group, the ones that were taking the GLP-1 medications, it went up to 0.04%,' he explained. 'So you could kind of sensationalize it and say, look, it doubled the risk for the patients to take the medication. But again, 0.02 to 0.04 is such a small amount that the overall risk is still very low.' Geffen commented that it is hard to tell a patient not to take GLP-1 medications unless they are already at high risk for NAION.'I feel the benefits for overall health make it a risk for the average person to take,' he continued. 'We need better studies developed for all the potential side effects of GLP-1 medications, not just eye related ones. So far these meds seem a godsend for many individuals.' For those considering starting GLP-1 medications, Bert advised talking to their physician and endocrinologist, and make sure to have an annual eye exam. 'It would be beneficial to have a baseline exam before you start the medication,' he explained. 'And then if you are high risk, of course, have another exam done shortly after starting just to make sure that you're not one of the people that fall into one of those categories where there can be worsening of the disease.' 'I think it's most important that these types of research projects continue to be done, and the benefit of having our electronic medical record systems, and we see in other countries that have kind of universal systems, you can do these very large population-based statistical analyses. And I think that needs to be continued as we progress into using these medications for longer periods of time, to ensure that we know the entirety of the risks and the benefits of them. So I would like to just continue to see this research being done and all these details flushed out.' – Benjamin Bert, MD
BBC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Blind golf gave me purpose' - meet the man who lost sight while asleep
One morning in 2009, Billy McAllister's life changed retinopathy meant his retinas had fallen off in his sleep and, in an instant, he had become totally top of that trauma, three months later he had lost his job, his home and was in the middle of a now, more than 15 years on, McAllister is one of the top five best blind golfers in the world and is preparing for the British Blind Masters next month in Southampton."I didn't understand how to be a blind person," McAllister told BBC Radio Leicester."I was going through depression and I was 40 years of age at the time - 'what am I going to do for whatever left I've got in this world?'"I had to relocate, I ended up getting divorced, I was homeless for a while – my two important things were: I need to be stimulated and I need to get back into employment."How does someone who is blind get into employment? Being disabled, it's really hard to get a job and I've mostly just worked in finance."An avid Liverpool supporter, McAllister had been a season ticket holder at Anfield but said his blindness meant he had to give up going to matches."I lost all my credits because I couldn't go," he explained."So I thought, 'OK, football's my first passion but I always watched golf sighted' - I'd never played golf before though."As a blind person, I can see the logic and the feasibility in playing golf when the ball doesn't move. "So, I thought it would probably be quite easy, not knowing the technicalities of golf, which I went on to find out how difficult it would be." Introducing himself to the sport tentatively, McAllister began practising his swing with a broom Northern Irishman then began to explore the possibility of playing. "I'd been on the internet through the England and Wales Blind Golf Association [EAWBA], who were taking members on. I thought I'd have a go," he who was then living in Bedford, made his first steps by going to his local driving range."I wanted lessons on how to swing a club and I needed a guide while still coming to terms with sight loss, and everything else," he said."I was going to the golf club and just sitting there because I couldn't afford golf clubs, I couldn't afford golf lessons."McAllister joined the EAWBA and was put in touch with Anders Mankert - a golf coach in Leicester."He's been fantastic," McAllister said. "It's because of Anders, I've travelled the world playing blind golf for England - I've been to Japan, Australia and I played in the Blind Ryder Cup against the USA."I do a 300-mile round trip to go see Anders, as I now live in Hastings, to give me help with my game." 'Blind golf gave me a purpose' Away from the course, McAllister's connection with EAWBA has helped give him the tools to live independently, including the ability to cook for himself."The whole thing has gone full circle. I'm full-time employed now and I got married last year to a wonderful woman I've never seen," he said."We've got our own house and I'm still playing blind golf"Primarily with everybody involved in blind golf, through the support and help I got, it gave me the chance to be fully stimulated and gave me a purpose to go and play a sport that able-bodied people can play."There are three categories of blind golf, depending on the level of sight loss the golfer who is registered in the B1 category where participants have no light perception, or only have light perception that is not functional, has won the British Open, the Spanish Open, the Irish Open, the Order of Merit and represents the Rest of the World team against the USA. Ahead of the British Masters next month, McAllister emphasised the importance of sighted volunteers to the blind players."I think the hardest thing about being a blind golfer is trying to get a guide," he said."It is one of the most inspirational sports but blind golf is very much a team – I can't do it without a guide."Trying to advertise for a guide is difficult because you're asking someone who doesn't know you to give up four hours once a week to guide you and find your ball."But when you go and win a British Open, which I've been fortunate enough to do, the guide is very much a part of that which, from the feedback I've got, is thoroughly enjoyed."
Daily Mail
11-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Weight loss jabs like Mounjaro and Wegovy could make you go BLIND, experts warn
Two of the world's most popular slimming injections may raise the risk of a sight-threatening eye disease in people with type 2 diabetes, researchers have warned. A team from Massachusetts analysed health records from more than 185,000 patients prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs—a class that includes semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, and tirzepatide, found in Mounjaro. These medications suppress appetite and are increasingly used by people with diabetes and obesity to shed pounds and control blood sugar levels. But the study found they were linked to a 'modestly increased risk' of diabetic retinopathy—a condition caused by damage to blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent sight loss. Even so, the researchers noted that fewer people in the study developed the most severe complications of diabetic retinopathy, such as blindness, even among those who already had the condition before starting the drugs. The analysis also found no statistically significant difference in the risk of NAION—non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy—a rare disorder that causes sudden vision loss in one eye when blood flow to the optic nerve is cut off. Based on their findings, the authors said people with type 2 diabetes taking the drugs should have regular eye checks to catch any problems early. The researchers behind the Massachusetts study disclosed conflicts of interest with companies that manufacture the drugs, including Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Separately, another US research team—whose findings were also published today—analysed data from 159,398 people and did find an increased risk of sudden sight loss linked to the injections. They looked specifically at patients with type 2 diabetes and no history of eye problems, comparing those prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide with a matched control group. Their results showed an increased risk of NAION—non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy—and other optic nerve disorders in the medicated group, although they stressed the 'overall risk was low.' After two years of follow-up, 35 patients (0.04 per cent) in the semaglutide or tirzepatide group had developed NAION, compared to 19 patients (0.02 per cent) in the control group. In addition, 93 patients (0.12 per cent) in the medicated group developed other optic nerve disorders, versus 54 patients (0.07 per cent) in the control group. The researchers added: 'No association was found with other disorders of the optic nerve or visual pathways.' In this second study, the researchers didn't disclose any conflicts of interests with weight loss jab manufacturers. The weight-loss jabs have been found to help people lose up to 20 per cent of their body weight in just a few months. However, there have been numerous reports of side effects after getting the jabs from hair loss and constipation to extreme cases of bloating. Recently, US experts found that semaglutide—may 'waste away muscles', making it harder to lose weight. And earlier this summer, in June, slimming jabs like Mounjaro and Wegovy were linked to more than 100 deaths in Britain. A total of 111 deaths were logged with the regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), up to and including May 29. But none of the fatalities, which have all been reported since the jabs were licensed for use in the UK, were proven to be caused directly by the drugs. However, the UK medicines regulator launched a probe into the safety of fat jabs after hundreds of Britons developed pancreatitis, specifically, leaving ten dead. Nevertheless, the weight loss jabs have remained popular, with pharmacists warning just last month that booming demand may become 'unsustainable'. The warning was issued by The National Pharmacy Association (NPA)—which represents over 6,000 community pharmacies. It came after their recent poll of over 2,000 people showed an increasing demand for private and NHS-backed weight loss services. The NDA poll revealed a fifth of participants had attempted to access weight loss treatments in the last year.
Globe and Mail
17-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Ainnova Tech Reaches Major FDA Milestone in AI-Powered Diabetic Retinopathy Detection
Revolutionary Vision AI platform moves closer to US market approval following successful FDA pre-submission meeting The healthcare technology landscape took a significant step forward this week as Ainnova Tech, Inc., in partnership with Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) announced the successful completion of a crucial milestone meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This pivotal moment brings the company's groundbreaking Vision AI platform one step closer to revolutionizing early diabetic retinopathy detection in the United States. FDA Guidance Paves the Way Forward The pre-submission meeting represented a critical juncture for Ainnova and its Contract Research Organization (CRO), Fortrea. During this session, the team presented their comprehensive clinical trial plans for the Vision AI platform, focusing exclusively on diabetic retinopathy detection within the United States market. The FDA's response has been overwhelmingly constructive, providing essential guidance across multiple aspects of the clinical trial process. The regulatory body offered specific recommendations regarding clinical protocol development, the optimal number and types of clinics required for a successful trial, and the necessary number of retinologists needed to examine images generated by the AI platform. This detailed feedback enables Ainnova to accurately plan and budget for the complete clinical trial process, creating a clear pathway to their ultimate goal: FDA 510(k) submission and clearance to market Vision AI technology in the United States. A Game-Changing Approach to Diabetic Eye Care Vinicio Vargas, Chief Executive Officer at Ainnova and Board member of Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), expressed enthusiasm about this next phase of development. "We're truly excited about this next phase. We're getting ready to begin data collection across primary care clinics in the U.S. with a study that is simple, yet rigorous - comparing our AI-based retinal screening to the readings of three retinologists." The clinical trial design reflects Ainnova's commitment to both simplicity and scientific rigor. By comparing AI-generated results directly with expert retinologist evaluations, the study will provide compelling evidence of the technology's effectiveness and reliability. Beyond Current Technology: The Automated Retinal Camera The Vision AI platform represents just one component of Ainnova's comprehensive technology portfolio. Vargas highlighted the upcoming approval of their automated retinal camera, which he believes will be truly transformative for the industry. "This milestone not only brings us closer to validating our platform in the world's largest healthcare market, but it also paves the way for the upcoming approval of our new automated retinal camera, which we believe will be a game changer - making diabetic retinal screenings faster, more accessible, and available from virtually any point of care." This automated camera technology promises to democratize diabetic retinopathy screening by making it available across diverse healthcare settings, potentially reaching patients who might otherwise lack access to specialized retinal examinations. Strategic Partnership Unlocks Global Potential The partnership between Avant Technologies Inc. and Ainnova Tech has created AAC (Ai-nova Acquisition Corp.), which holds worldwide licensing rights for Ainnova's entire technology portfolio. This strategic arrangement is particularly significant given the FDA's regulatory authority over drug and medical device development in the United States. Success in the U.S. clinical trial will unlock substantial commercial potential, with the early FDA engagement ensuring that AAC can enter the market with speed, credibility, and a thoroughly validated product. The U.S. healthcare market represents the world's largest opportunity for medical technology companies, making FDA approval a crucial milestone for global expansion. Innovation Rooted in Experience Ainnova Tech brings impressive credentials to this endeavor. Based in Nevada with headquarters spanning San Jose, Costa Rica, and Houston, Texas, the company was founded by an experienced team dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence for early disease detection. The company's track record includes multiple global awards and established partnerships with hospitals and medical device companies worldwide. This recognition underscores the quality and potential impact of their technological innovations. The Broader Vision: Preventing Blindness, Detecting Disease The Vision AI platform represents more than just a diagnostic tool—it embodies a proactive approach to healthcare that prioritizes prevention over treatment. By enabling early detection of diabetic retinopathy, the technology has the potential to prevent blindness while simultaneously facilitating early diabetes detection. This dual benefit aligns with broader healthcare trends toward preventive medicine and early intervention, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes. Technology Partnership Driving Innovation Avant Technologies Inc., Ainnova's partner in this venture, brings complementary expertise in artificial intelligence and biotechnology solutions. As an emerging technology company focused on pushing the boundaries of what's possible in AI and biotechnology, Avant serves diverse industries while driving progress and efficiency through state-of-the-art technology. This partnership combines Ainnova's specialized healthcare focus with Avant's broader technological capabilities, creating a powerful platform for innovation and commercialization. Looking Ahead: The Path to Market With FDA guidance now in hand, Ainnova can begin the detailed planning phase for their clinical trial. The company will work to establish partnerships with primary care clinics across the United States, recruit the necessary retinologists for image evaluation, and implement the clinical protocol refined through FDA feedback. The data generated from this trial will form the foundation of their FDA 510(k) submission, representing the final regulatory hurdle before market entry. Success in this process would establish Ainnova as a leader in AI-powered diabetic retinopathy detection and position the company for significant growth in the expanding digital health market. Conclusion: A New Era in Diabetic Care The successful completion of Ainnova's FDA milestone meeting represents more than a regulatory achievement—it signals the beginning of a new era in diabetic eye care. By combining artificial intelligence with rigorous clinical validation, Ainnova is positioned to make diabetic retinopathy screening more accessible, efficient, and effective than ever before. As the company moves forward with their clinical trial, the healthcare industry will be watching closely. The potential to prevent blindness while enabling early diabetes detection represents a significant advancement in preventive medicine, with implications that extend far beyond individual patient care to broader public health outcomes. The partnership between Ainnova Tech and Avant Technologies, formalized through AAC, demonstrates how strategic collaboration can accelerate medical innovation and bring life-changing technologies to market. With FDA guidance secured and clinical trials on the horizon, Ainnova is well-positioned to transform the landscape of diabetic retinopathy detection and prevention. Other Active healthcare/tech companies active in the diabetes treatment industry include Abbott (NYSE: ABT), DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ: DXCM), iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: IRTC), Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. (NASDAQ: TNDM). Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of COEP or its strategies. FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY; NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. Please ensure to fully read and comprehend our disclaimer found at has been compensated one thousand dollars by a 3rd party EDM Media for content distribution services on AVAI for July 17, 2025. is neither an investment advisor nor a registered broker. 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Globe and Mail
30-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Avant Technologies and JV Partner, Ainnova, Prepare for Key FDA Milestone with Next Week's Pre-Submission Meeting
LAS VEGAS , June 30, 2025 /CNW/ -- Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) ("Avant" or the "Company"), and its JV partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), a leading healthcare technology company focused on revolutionizing early disease detection using artificial intelligence (AI), today announced that Ainnova and its Contract Research Organization, Fortrea, will use this week to make final preparations for the company's pre-submission meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) next week. The pre-submission meeting with Ainnova's executives and its CRO is set for Monday, July 7. The FDA meeting will allow the Company to discuss its planned clinical trial of Ainnova's Vision AI platform in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. These meetings will give the team the direction it needs for a successful clinical trial and to support the Company's FDA 510(k) submission to obtain clearance from the FDA to market the Vision AI technology in the United States . Vinicio Vargas , Chief Executive Officer at Ainnova and a member of the Board of Directors of Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), the company formed by the partnership between Avant and Ainnova to advance and commercialize Ainnova's technology portfolio, said, "We're approaching a key milestone. We've been preparing thoroughly with the support of an experienced CRO and expert regulatory advisors, and we're optimistic about the outcome. "Diabetic retinopathy is the number one cause of preventable blindness worldwide. That's unacceptable—and we believe technology can change that. But this is just the beginning. Retinal screening offers a gateway to detecting many systemic conditions early—like Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and more. "We're committed to pushing the boundaries of preventive care, improving both life expectancy and quality of life for people around the world. That's the mission behind everything we do." Ainnova will use this pre-submission meeting to determine a host of items, including the ideal number of clinical sites, the number of total patients needed, and to learn if the FDA will approve the clinical trial protocol for the planned trial. These are all crucial for both Avant and Ainnova in determining the exact costs and a timetable. AAC has the worldwide licensing rights for Ainnova's technology portfolio. The licensing rights include the U.S., where the FDA regulates drug and medical device development, so the success of Ainnova's interactions with the FDA are paramount to marketing the technology portfolio in the United States. Entering the U.S. market will unlock significant commercial potential, and this early engagement with the FDA ensures AAC can do so with speed, credibility, and a validated product. About Ainnova Tech, Inc. Ainnova is a Nevada -based healthtech startup with headquarters in San Jose, Costa Rica , and Houston, Texas . Founded by an experienced and innovative team that is dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence for early disease detection. Recognized with multiple global awards and renowned partnerships with hospitals and medical device companies, we proudly introduce Vision AI – our cutting-edge platform designed to prevent blindness and detect the early onset of diabetes. Explore how Ainnova is revolutionizing healthcare through advanced technology and proactive solutions. About Avant Technologies, Inc. Avant Technologies Inc. is an emerging technology company developing solutions in healthcare using artificial intelligence and biotechnologies. With a focus on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in AI and biotechnology, Avant serves a diverse range of industries, driving progress and efficiency through state-of-the-art technology. More information about Avant can be found at You can also follow us on social media at: Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements because of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website ( In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes, the Company's ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, if at all, the Company's successful development of its products and the integration into its existing products and the commercial acceptance of the Company's products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date after the date of the press release.
