Over 72 weeks, semaglutide had lower cost per responder at modest weight loss targets while tirzepatide was favored at higher weight loss goals (≥25-30%), but differences were not statistically significant.
No significant differenceTirzepatide and semaglutide showed overlapping cost-effectiveness at all weight loss thresholds over 72 weeks in Greece
What the researchers found
Tirzepatide cost €5,646 vs semaglutide €3,202 over 72 weeks. Semaglutide showed numerically lower cost per responder at ≥10% weight loss; tirzepatide was favored at ≥25-30% targets. Probabilistic analysis showed no statistically significant difference at any threshold.
Why it matters
With two competing GLP-1-based obesity drugs now available, healthcare systems need data to guide coverage decisions. This analysis suggests the choice between tirzepatide and semaglutide may depend more on individual weight loss goals than overall cost-effectiveness.
The numbers in context
Weight loss targets: >= 10%, >= 15%, >= 20%, >= 25%, >= 30%. Based on SURMOUNT-5 phase 3b trial over 72 weeks. Greek payer (EOPYY) perspective. Direct medical costs only.
How the study worked
Short-term cost-effectiveness analysis from the Greek third-party payer perspective using SURMOUNT-5 trial data (72-week, phase 3b, head-to-head) comparing direct medical costs and weight loss target achievement rates.
Who was studied
Overweight or obese adults without diabetes in Greece
What this study cannot tell us
Short 72-week horizon does not capture long-term outcomes or complications prevented. Greek-specific pricing may not apply elsewhere. Based on a single head-to-head trial. Only direct medical costs included; indirect costs (productivity, comorbidity reduction) were excluded.
How to read the evidence
Cost-effectiveness analysis based on head-to-head phase 3b trial data (SURMOUNT-5). Strong clinical evidence base but economic conclusions are model-dependent and context-specific to Greek pricing.
When this study was published
Published in 2025; uses SURMOUNT-5 data and 2025 Greek drug pricing.
The bigger picture
As the peptide-based obesity drug market expands with multiple options, pharmacoeconomic analyses are essential for guiding both clinical practice and policy. This study suggests tirzepatide and semaglutide offer comparable value, with the optimal choice depending on the weight loss ambition of individual patients.
Questions still open
- Would a longer time horizon with obesity-related complication modeling change the cost-effectiveness comparison?
- How would real-world adherence and discontinuation rates affect these results?
- Does tirzepatide's greater weight loss at higher thresholds translate to proportionally greater long-term health benefits?
Common questions
Which is more cost-effective for obesity: tirzepatide or semaglutide?
Why does tirzepatide cost more but sometimes show better value?
Read the original research
A Short-Term Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Tirzepatide Versus Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity in Greece.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(16)
Citation
Papantoniou, Panagiotis; Maniadakis, Nikolaos. (2025). A Short-Term Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Tirzepatide Versus Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity in Greece.. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13162011