A recent study has revealed that tirzepatide offers superior outcomes compared to semaglutide in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and heart failure. The findings, presented at the SCAI 2025 Scientific Sessions, highlight a lower all-cause mortality rate for those treated with tirzepatide, solidifying its place as a preferred treatment option for these conditions.
Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-receptor agonist, is marketed by Eli Lilly under the names Zepbound and Mounjaro. It has shown promise in improving outcomes in patients with a variety of health challenges, including sleep apnea and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. On the other hand, semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist sold by Novo Nordisk as Wegovy and Ozempic, is renowned for its cardiovascular benefits in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
The study, led by Abdul Wali Khan, MD, of the University of Missouri Kansas City, followed over 9,000 patients for a year. Among them, 4,856 were treated with semaglutide, while the other half received tirzepatide. The results indicated that those on tirzepatide faced significantly lower risks of all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and hospital readmissions compared to those on semaglutide.
However, semaglutide had an edge in one key aspect—patients treated with tirzepatide were less likely to achieve HbA1c levels under 7% when compared to those receiving semaglutide. Despite this, tirzepatide’s benefits in other areas, such as its lower cost, fewer side effects, and greater effectiveness in promoting weight loss, make it a compelling choice for managing cardiovascular and renal conditions in diabetic patients.
“The significantly better outcomes associated with tirzepatide were a pleasant surprise,” said Khan. “Its lower cost, fewer side effects, and enhanced weight loss effectiveness make it a strong contender in managing these complex conditions.”
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