Hormonal
Tirzepatide at maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is more cost-effective and clinically superior to semaglutide at MTD for weight management in US adults with obesity or overweight, resulting in lower total healthcare costs, higher quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
For US adults with obesity or overweight, tirzepatide at its maximum tolerated dose is a more effective and cost-saving option than semaglutide. It leads to greater weight loss, fewer cases of diabetes and heart disease, and significant long-term healthcare cost savings, making it a superior clinical and economic choice when combined with diet and exercise.
Tirzepatide (MTD) was estimated to be less costly and more efficacious compared to semaglutide (MTD) with per patient cost savings of $41,688, 0.506 QALYs gained and positive iNHB of 0.784, indicating a net health benefit for tirzepatide.
Why this rating
Based on a head-to-head Phase 3 trial (SURMOUNT-5) and a validated patient-level simulation model, though long-term real-world persistence data is extrapolated.
Source
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
Erin Johansson et al. · Journal of Medical Economics · 2026
DOI 10.1080/13696998.2026.2646078
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