Yesterday, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said it’s looking into the diabetes drug after three patients reported thoughts of suicide or self-harm while using the medication. Health regulators in Iceland flagged the cases, which also involved the weight-loss treatment Saxenda. In the past year, drugs like Ozempic have become popular for off-label weight-loss use. The trend's created shortages for diabetic patients. Now, the EU’s regulators are investigating whether the active ingredients in Ozempic and Saxenda (semaglutide and liraglutide) pose a risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm to patients.
What about the US?
Since 2018, the FDA’s reportedly received at least 60 reports of suicidal thoughts in connection to semaglutide from patients or their doctors. However, the FDA reportedly hasn’t verified those cases. In the US, weight-loss drugs like Wegovy already recommend that patients be monitored for signs of self-harm or suicide. The EU investigation could lead to updated drug labels on weight-loss medications that currently don't issue similar warnings. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk — which makes Ozempic and Saxenda — said their patients’ safety is a “top priority.” The company also pointed out that late-stage trials didn't link its drugs to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
theSkimm
Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have become trendy medications thanks to TikTok and celebs. Now, an EU probe could be adding to the list of warnings about the drug’s potential side effects.
The NATO Summit. Today, leaders from the 31 countries in the military alliance are meeting in Lithuania for the start of their two-day event. On the agenda: the war in Ukraine, defense spending, and Sweden and Ukraine's membership. At least one of those is making progress. Sweden's now on its way to joining the alliance, after finally gaining Turkey’s support. As for Ukraine, NATO’s secretary general has said that the alliance will extend an official invitation once the war is over.
What’s top of mind...
Privacy. Yesterday, the EU and US approved a privacy data agreement that'll allow Europeans’ personal data to continue to flow into the US. For years, tech giants like Meta and Google have stored data from across the pond in America — raising flags from EU regulators. Now, the agreement ensures protections for Europeans' data. Companies like Meta welcomed the agreement. However, at least one privacy activist has said he'll challenge the deal.
Where there's outrage…
Kansas. Yesterday, a state judge ruled that Kansas can no longer allow transgender people to change the sex on their driver's licenses. Since 2019, the state has allowed people to make the necessary updates. However, the state's Republican attorney general sued, arguing that the policy violates a new state law that defines a person’s sex based on the gender assigned at birth. Now, Kansas is one of a few states that won’t let trans people update their licenses. The judge’s ruling is temporary but can be extended.
Who’s not laughing…
Sarah Silverman. The comedian and two other authors have sued OpenAI and Meta for claims of copyright infringement. They said that they didn’t consent to letting OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Meta’s LLaMA train on their work. Experts predict this lawsuit could be one of many in the future.
The sun’s out, the weather’s warm, and the school’s out energy has us feeling nostalgic for some classic summer break fun. We’re talking fort making, backyard campouts, and other activities from when we were kids. But we’ll let you in on a secret: Adults can play, too.
One getaway that’s kid-level exciting but got grown-up written all over it: the 2023 Ford Escape® SUV. Like your fave fort, the Escape® SUV can transform into, well, whatever you need it to be. (Thank you, second row 60/40 split-fold-flat and sliding seat.) Brb, building our very own trunk tent.
Skimm Life
Amazon Prime Day is officially here. Since the deals move so fast, we’ve rounded up the items worth your attention, from beauty to electronics:
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A sale so good, it’d be a crime to gatekeep.
You heard it here first: Old Navy’s offering 50% off everything online. We’re talking pants, tees, dresses, and shorts — with only a few exclusions. But the sale ends today, so don’t wait.*
3. A robot litter box that’ll help you cross ‘scoop poop’ off your to-do list forever.
This self-cleaning litter box sifts out waste after every. single. use. It also neutralizes odors and monitors your cat’s bathroom activity for irregularities. Plus, it’s easy on the eyes.*
BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed therapist who’s right for you. Just fill out the quiz and get matched in as little as 48 hours. PS: Skimmr's get $50 off their first month with code SKIMM.*
Psst...looking for more discounts on brands Skimm'rs love? Check out all of our exclusive promo codes here.
On Our Radar
20% off Sakara’s Amazon storefront in honor of Prime Day. You’ve got 48 hours to stock up onMiranda Kerr-approved wellness essentials like their Metabolism Super Powder, Detox Water Drops, and Complete Probiotic. Hurry, hurry.*
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Keeping it moving…Judy G (NY). She recently launched her own company and exercise program. Her goal is to help people with chronic pain and joint hypermobility.
(Some) Birthdays…Bea Mologousis (IL), JW Wright (NY), Jordan Murray (UT), Jessica DeMartin (GA), Sara Woznicki (VA), Greg Kiernan (NY), Hristina Cipitelo (IL), Vasia Rigou (IL), Selah Stivers (PA), Alena Bloom (NJ), Mary Elizabeth Wilkes (LA), Hila DeLong (VA), Kellie Skoner (MD), Aaron Dunser (CA), Ginger Dunn (CA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, Chantal Vaca, and Maria del Carmen Corpus
Photos by Mario Tama via Getty Images, Brand Partners
