Final Data From SURMOUNT-2 Show Superior Weight Loss With Tizepatide for Diabetes

Tirzepatide demonstrated more weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) than any other medication to date, according to findings from the SURMOUNT-2 study (NCT04657003).¹ The results of the study were presented at the 83rd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in San Diego, California and were also published in The Lancet.¹

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“With a new drug like tirzepatide, it becomes clear we need a weight-centric approach to treating type 2 diabetes when obesity is also present, two conditions that are interwoven for so many Americans,” Timothy Garvey, MD, MACE, MABOM, professor at University of Alabama at Birmingham and director of the UAB Diabetes Research Center, said in a statement. “We are encouraged by these weight loss and glycemic control results, especially as weight loss interventions are typically less effective in patients in diabetes.”¹

Investigators evaluated how tirzepatide, a once weekly glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, affects body weight for those with T2D and are overweight.¹ The findings of the study were presented by Garvey in a session titled “SURMOUNT 2 Trial Results and Potential Role of Tirzepatide in Treating Obesity in Type 2 Diabetes.”

The trial included 938 individuals who had T2D and were obese or overweight. The co-primary endpoints include the percent change from randomization in body weight and percentage of individuals who achieved body weight reduction from randomization of at least 5%.¹ Investigators evaluated both endpoints through 72 weeks.

The results of the study showed that tirzepatide (Mounjaro; Eli Lilly and Company) could be effective as a weight loss option for those with T2D and obesity, showing that individuals lost an average of 15% of their starting body weight after 72 weeks of treatment.¹

Investigators reported that the overall average weight loss reduction was approximately 33 pounds. The hemoglobulin A1c (HbA1c) was 8% at baseline and decreased to 5.9% by the conclusion of the study.1 Furthermore, the results demonstrated that 49% of those who achieved HbA1c below 5.7% did not have severe hypoglycemia.¹

Common adverse events included mild to moderate gastrointestinal-related issues, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation, during dose escalation.²

Investigators added that obesity should be approached as a chronic condition and further research should be focused on reducing obesity-related complications, including the prevention and treatment of T2D.¹

They call for further research into tirzepatide as a cardioprotective drug or if it can reduce adverse cardiovascular events.¹

The first trial of the drug, SURMOUNT-1 (NCT04184622) was presented at the 82rd Scientific Sessions of the ADA in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2022 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.¹

Both studies are part of the SURMOUNT phase 3 global clinical program evaluating the drug for chronic weight management as well as weight-related comorbidities.²

References

1. SURMOUNT-2 study finds individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity lost an average of 15% of their body weight when taking tirzepatide. News release. American Diabetes Association. June 23, 2023. Accessed June 23, 2023. Email.
2. Hunter E. Tirzepatide promoted weight loss in patients with obesity or overweight, type 2 diabetes. Pharmacy Times. May 1, 2023. Accessed June 23, 2023. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/tirzepatide-promotes-weight-loss-in-patients-with-obesity-or-overweight-type-2-diabetes