Scots scientists suggest GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are safe in pregnancy

Scottish scientists have “cautiously” suggested that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are safe around pregnancy.

There have previously been warnings about a lack of evidence on the safety of the jabs, including Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda and Victoza, for women trying to get pregnant.

Researchers from the University of St Andrews carried out the largest ever systematic review of nearly 50,000 pregnancies.

They found no increased risk of birth defects for women who become pregnant while using the drugs, but did not recommend routine use.

The UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, currently says the drugs – known as GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) – must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding.

This is because preclinical studies have shown potential birth defect and pregnancy outcome risks.

However, particularly in those seeking to meet BMI thresholds for fertility treatments, their use is still widespread.

In the new study, the scientists at St Andrews reviewed the details of 49,000 pregnancies over a period of twenty years exposed to the drugs.

An analysis of ten observational studies showed “no statistically significant association between weight loss drug exposure and major adverse fetal, pregnancy, obstetric, or labour outcomes”.

A small, but significant, association with renal malformations was detected; however, it has been said that this likely reflects the severity of underlying maternal disease.

Despite providing “cautious reassurance” for women who may have been using the drugs and then become pregnant, routine use during pregnancy is still not supported.

Researchers have called for a longer-term follow-up.

Senior author, Dr Javier Tello from the School of Medicine at the University of St Andrews, said: “This study tackles an important clinical question amid the surge in weight-loss drug use: their effects on pregnancy.

“Our findings offer cautious reassurance for women who become pregnant unexpectedly while on these medications but do not endorse routine use during pregnancy.”