In a nutshell
This study looked at tirzepatide, a new treatment for type 2 diabetes, compared to semaglutide (Ozempic). It found that, depending on the dose, tirzepatide was similarly or more effective at controlling blood glucose than semaglutide.
Some background
Tirzepatide is a new type of medication designed to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). It is an injection given under the skin once weekly. It works by activating GLP-1 and GIP proteins in the gut. This leads to a release of insulin (the hormone that reduces blood glucose by giving it to cells to use as energy) and an inhibition of glucagon (hormone that increases glucose) secretion.
Semaglutide is an established treatment for T2D, also given by subcutaneous injection once weekly. It works by activating GLP-1. It is not known if tirzepatide is as safe and effective as semaglutide in patients with T2D.
Methods & findings
1879 patients with T2D participated in this trial. Patients had an average HbA1c (blood glucose control over the past 2-3 months) of 8.28%. Patients were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 received tirzepatide 5 mg, group 2 received tirzepatide 10 mg, group 3 received tirzepatide 15 mg and group 4 received semaglutide 1 mg. HbA1c was monitored at baseline and after 40 weeks of treatment.
After 40 weeks of treatment, HbA1c was reduced by -2.01% in group 1, by -2.24% in group 2, and by -2.3% in group 3. This was compared to a reduction of -1.86% in group 4.
After 40 weeks, between 82-86% of the patients in groups 1-3 had HbA1c levels below 7% compared to 79% of patients in group 4.
Patients in group 1 had a reduction in body weight of -7.6kg. Those in group 2 had a reduction of -9.3kg, and those in group 3 had a reduction of -11.2kg after 40 weeks of treatment. Patients in group 4 had a reduction of -5.7% in body weight.
Overall, a similar number of patients in each group reported side effects. However, more patients in the tirzepatide groups reported serious side effects compared to the semaglutide group. The most common side effects reported were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and reduced appetite.
The bottom line
This study showed that tirzepatide is similarly or more effective than semaglutide at controlling blood glucose and reducing body weight in T2D, depending on the dose.
The fine print
This study was funded by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of tirzepatide.
Published By :
The New England Journal of Medicine
Date :
Jun 25, 2021
