Cost-effectiveness of tirzepatide versus semaglutide for patients with obesity or overweight in the US: evidence from the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head phase-3 trial.
J Med EconApr 21, 2026 (epub)
Erin Johansson, John P H Wilding, Navneet Upadhyay et al.
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In 30 seconds
This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of tirzepatide versus semaglutide in adults with obesity or overweight in the US, using data from the Phase-3 SURMOUNT-5 trial. Tirzepatide was found to be less costly and more effective, with estimated savings of $41,688 per patient and an additional 0.506 QALYs gained compared to semaglutide.
Key findings
- Tirzepatide resulted in $41,688 cost savings per patient compared to semaglutide.
- Patients treated with tirzepatide had 70 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes per 1,000 individuals.
- Tirzepatide provided an additional 0.506 QALYs compared to semaglutide.
- Patients on semaglutide experienced 3.07 more years living with moderate/severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Why it matters
Understanding the cost-effectiveness of obesity treatments is crucial for healthcare providers, as it informs decisions on resource allocation and patient management strategies, ultimately impacting patient outcomes and healthcare costs.