Victoza (Liraglutide) Lawsuit: Vision Loss (NAION) Claims

Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits claim that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition characterized by sudden vision loss due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Studies have suggested that GLP-1 drugs may increase NAION risk, either through rapid blood sugar lowering or by affecting optic nerve function through GLP-1 receptors. The condition can cause sudden or gradual vision loss, blurred vision, weakened color vision, and in severe cases, total vision loss in one or both eyes. Most cases of NAION are permanent with no cure.

The litigation began consolidating in late 2025 and early 2026. In December 2025, an MDL (Multi-District Litigation) was approved for NAION cases involving GLP-1 drugs in federal court, with the judge streamlining documentation processes through case management orders issued in January 2026. Concurrently, in November 2025, New Jersey's Supreme Court approved a multicounty litigation (MCL) to group state-level lawsuits together. As of April 2026, the federal court had 72 active vision loss cases, up from fewer than 40 cases at the start of February 2026, with nearly 50 new blindness cases filed since January 2026. State litigation is also proceeding in New Jersey, where Novo Nordisk has its U.S. headquarters. The litigation remains in early stages with significant growth expected as awareness spreads.