A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended approving the Novo Nordisk A/S diabetes drug semaglutide.

The Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee voted 16-0, with one abstention, in favor of the approval.

Data showed that semaglutide was linked with an initial worsening of diabetic retinopathy but the panelists noted that this risk was offset by the benefit of reducing blood sugar overall, Reuters reported Oct. 18.

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the eyes.

The agency is not required to follow the recommendations of its advisers but often does.