A retrospective cohort using the Healthcare Integrated Research Database matched adults with type 2 diabetes initiating tirzepatide or semaglutide between May 2022 and May 2023, stratified by prior GLP-1 receptor agonist exposure. Over 12 months, tirzepatide initiators had higher adherence (naive 60% vs 45%) and persistence (62% vs 47%), and a larger share reached the most stringent targets, including weight loss of at least 15% (23% vs 10% in naive patients). Pharmacy cost per patient reaching those targets was lower for tirzepatide at the stringent endpoints.
Why it is interesting: Adherence and persistence for two incretin drugs compared in routine claims data, as observed continuation rather than trial exposure.