ADA 2021: Tirzepatide Demonstrates Potential in Type 2 Diabetes with SURPASS Trials

Results of 4 phase 3 trials from Eli Lilly and Company’s SURPASS program demonstrate the robustness of tirzepatide’s ability to help improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Presented together at the American Diabetes Association’s 81st Scientific Sessions (ADA 2021), data from the studies support use of the novel, once-weekly injectable dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist in an array of patient populations.

“Collectively, the SURPASS study results exceeded our expectations and point toward tirzepatide’s efficacy in people living with type 2 diabetes at different stages of their treatment journeys,” said Laura Fernández Landó, MD, Senior Medical Director of tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes at Eli Lilly and Company, in a statement. “Tirzepatide is delivering unprecedented results that could help millions of people with type 2 diabetes and their health care providers reach A1C and weight goals—both key measures of diabetes management.

Designed with the intent of detailing tirzepatide’s potential as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, the SURPASS-1, SURPASS-2, SURPASS-3, and SURPASS-5 trials were among some of the most anticipated and discussed data from ADA 2021.

SURPASS-1

SUPRASS-1 sought to compare tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg, as monotherapy against placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes. In the trial, investigators found all the tirzepatide doses examined provided statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in HbA1c and body weight reductions compared to placebo therapy. Additionally, results indicated 92% of participants receiving tirzepatide achieved an HbA1c of less than 7% and 52% achieved an HbA1c of less than 5.7%.

SURPASS-2

SURPASS-2 was designed with the intent of comparing the 3 doses of tirzepatide to semaglutide as an add-on to metformin in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. In the trial, all 3 doses were associated with superior HbA1c reductions and body weight reductions from baseline compared to semaglutide. Additionally, results indicated 92% of participants receiving tirepatide achieved an HbA1c of less than 7% and 51% achieved an HbA1c of less than 5.7%.

SURPASS-3

SURPASS-3 was designed to compare all 3 tirzepatide doses against titrated inulin degludec for glycemic control and weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this trial, all 3 doses of tirzepatide were associated with greater HbA1c reductions and body weight reductions from baseline than titrated insulin degludec. Additionally, results indicated 93% of participants receiving tirzepatide achieved an HbA1c of less than 7% and 48% achieved an HbA1c of 5.7% or less.

SURPASS-5

SURPASS-5 was designed with the intent of comparing all 3 tirzepatide doses versus placebo as an add-on therapy to titrated insulin glargine. In this trial, all 3 doses were associated with greater HbA1c reductions and body weight reductions than placebo therapy. Additionally, results indicated 97% of participants receiving tirzepatide achieved an HbA1c of less than 7% and 62% achieved an HbA1c of less than 5.7%.

These data were presented in a session titled “Next Chapter in Incretin-Based Therapies—Tirzepatide, a Novel Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist,” at ADA 2021.