In a real‑world study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Milan, Novo Nordisk announced that its diabetes medication Ozempic appears to lower the risk of serious heart problems compared with Eli Lilly’s newer drug Mounjaro.
Study details and key findings
The analysis examined 636,525 adults with type‑2 diabetes who were prescribed either Ozempic or Mounjaro. Within the first year after their initial prescription, 67.2% of patients remained on the standard 1 mg dose of Ozempic, while 29.2% either escalated to the 2 mg dose or switched to Mounjaro. At the 720‑day follow‑up, 57.4% were still on Ozempic 1 mg, 36.9% had moved up to 2 mg, and 5.7% were using Mounjaro.
Patients who increased their Ozempic dose to 2 mg showed a statistically significant 6% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) than those who switched to Mounjaro at doses up to 15 mg. The reduction was measured across outcomes such as heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death.
Expert commentary
“These real‑world findings can help provide insights into how intensification strategies may affect cardiovascular outcomes as an important factor in patient care,” said Michael Radin, executive medical director at Novo Nordisk.
The study builds on earlier analyses of the same data set that highlighted improvements in HbA1c levels and weight loss for patients using higher doses of Ozempic.
Industry context
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are competing fiercely for market share in the rapidly expanding U.S. obesity‑treatment sector, which analysts project could be worth between $100 billion and $150 billion by 2030. While Mounjaro has been promoted for its dual action on glucose and weight, Novo Nordisk emphasizes the cardiovascular safety profile demonstrated in this large‑scale observation.
Implications for patients and providers
For clinicians, the data suggest that escalating Ozempic dosage may be a viable strategy to both manage blood‑sugar levels and reduce heart‑related risks. Patients should discuss with their healthcare providers whether a dose increase aligns with their overall treatment goals and cardiovascular risk factors.
As the obesity‑drug market continues to evolve, ongoing research will be essential to compare long‑term outcomes of these therapies and guide evidence‑based prescribing.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
