Objective: Tirzepatide is a once-weekly glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) approved for treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. This study aimed to understand the real-world use of tirzepatide among people without T2D.
Methods: This retrospective, claims-based study was conducted using Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database. The index date was the first observed claim of tirzepatide (NDC for Mounjaro™) during the index period (May 13, 2022-March 31, 2023). Adults without a T2D diagnosis during the 12-month (mo) pre index period and with continuous medical and pharmacy enrollment (12 mo pre index and 6 mo post index) were included. Tirzepatide was only approved for the treatment of T2D during the index period, therefore any use of tirzepatide by individuals without T2D during this time was off-label and solely at the discretion of their prescribing physician. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and post-index treatment patterns were assessed using descriptive analyses.
Results: 1,756 people without T2D diagnosis codes initiated tirzepatide. Mean age was 53.4 yrs, and 68.6% were female. Top prescribing providers were primary care physicians (77.5%). Dyslipidemia (46.6%), hypertension (46.1%), and prediabetes (31.2%) were the most common comorbidities, and 74.0% had ≥1 obesity-related comorbidity (ORC). During the 12-mo pre-index period, 1.4% had ≥1 claim for an anti-obesity medication (AOM). Additionally, 21.3% had ≥1 claim for metformin, while 14.5% had ≥1 claim for a non-AOM GLP-1 RA. Of 1,756 people initiating tirzepatide, 77.9% were persistent (treatment discontinuation was considered as >60 untreated days on tirzepatide for ≥6 mo).
Conclusion: Most people initiating tirzepatide without T2D diagnosis codes had ≥1 ORC, were naïve to AOMs and non-AOM GLP-1 RAs and were persistent on tirzepatide at 6 mo post index.
T. Gibble: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Eli Lilly and Company. C. Chinthammit: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Eli Lilly and Company. A. Meeks: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company. B. Liao: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company. J. Ward: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company. E.R. Hankosky: Employee; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Eli Lilly and Company.
