In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of semaglutide (Ozempic) to extended-release (ER) exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon) and dulaglutide (Trulicity) ?in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The main finding of the study was that once-weekly semaglutide was more cost-effective than exenatide and dulaglutide.
Some background
There are many different types of drugs used in the treatment of T2D. One type of drugs used is GLP-1 agonist. These drugs cause an increase in insulin in the body. Insulin is the body that controls blood sugar. Semaglutide, exenatide, and dulaglutide are all types of GLP-1 agonists. They are all administered as weekly injections.
There are many complications of T2D including infections, heart disease, kidney disease, and eye disease. These complications can lead to both increased hospital stays and absenteeism from work. Therefore, diabetic complications can be expensive. An ideal diabetic treatment should not only lower blood sugar but also prevent diabetes-related complications. This would reduce costs and improve quality of life.
The cost-effectiveness of semaglutide compared to exenatide and dulaglutide is not known.
Methods & findings
This study compared treatment with various doses of the 3 different drugs. Once weekly semaglutide 1.0 mg with ER exenatide. Once weekly semaglutide 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg were compared to both dulaglutide 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg.
Once weekly semaglutide 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg were the most effective in lowering HbA1c (a blood test that measures the average blood sugar levels in the past 3 months) and body weight. The effectiveness-to-cost ratio for semaglutide was also better than the other drugs.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that once weekly 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg semaglutide offers better cost-effectiveness compared to exenatide extended-release and dulaglutide.
The fine print
This study was funded by Novo Nordisk A/S, the developer of semaglutide.
Published By :
Advances in therapy
Date :
Mar 14, 2019
