Efficacy and safety of tirzepatide in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tang Y, Zhang L, Zeng Y, Wang X, Zhang M

Frontiers in pharmacology28 Oct 2022Cited by 24 (Europe PMC)

PMID36569320PMCIDPMC9774036DOI10.3389/fphar.2022.1016639PepBankPUB-36569320

Summary

Purpose: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to combine the data available from clinical trials and evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of tirzepatide in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinical trials registries (https://clinicaltrials.gov) up to 25 March 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared tirzepatide with placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs in subjects with T2D. Heterogeneity was judged by the I ² value and Cochran's Q test. The randomized effects model was adopted to calculate risk ratios and weighted mean differences (WMDs). The primary outcome was the change from baseline in HbA1c levels. Secondary efficacy endpoints were fasting serum glucose (FSG), change of body weight, blood pressure, fasting lipid profiles, and safety indexes. Results: Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study. Tirzepatide treatment resulted in reducing HbA1c (WMD: -1.07%; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: -1.44, -0.56), FSG (WMD, -21.50 mg/dl; 95% CI: -34.44, -8.56), body weight (WMD: -7.99 kg; 95% CI -11.36, -4.62), and blood pressure and ameliorated fasting lipid profiles, without increasing hypoglycemia, either as monotherapy or an add-on therapy. Tirzepatide increased the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events mainly in add-on therapy but not in terms of pancreatitis or cholelithiasis. Furthermore, tirzepatide presented a dose-response effect on the reduction in HbA1c and body weight and increase in nausea and vomiting. Conclusion: In patients with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide shows superior blood glucose control and weight loss performance, without an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Systematic Review Registration: (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO), identifier (CRD42022319442).

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study12

12 results from studies that gave the peptide. 12 results from people.

01HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide reduced HbA1c versus placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide lowered HbA1c more than placebo or other blood-sugar drugs.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseHbA1c change
Study
n = 6,579
Comparator
Placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs
Analysis
Primary
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Measurements
WMD
−1.07%
HbA1c
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide treatment resulted in reducing HbA1c (WMD: -1.07%; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: -1.44, -0.56), FSG (WMD, -21.50 mg/dl; 95% CI: -34.44, -8.56), body weight (WMD: -7.99 kg; 95% CI -11.36, -4.62), and blood pressure and ameliorated fasting lipid profiles, without increasing hypoglycemia, either as monotherapy or an add-on therapy.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932001
02HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide reduced fasting serum glucose versus placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide lowered fasting blood glucose more than placebo or other blood-sugar drugs.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseFasting serum glucose
Study
n = 6,579
Comparator
Placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Measurements
WMD
−21.5 mg/dl
fasting serum glucose
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide treatment resulted in reducing HbA1c (WMD: -1.07%; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: -1.44, -0.56), FSG (WMD, -21.50 mg/dl; 95% CI: -34.44, -8.56), body weight (WMD: -7.99 kg; 95% CI -11.36, -4.62), and blood pressure and ameliorated fasting lipid profiles, without increasing hypoglycemia, either as monotherapy or an add-on therapy.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932002
03HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide reduced body weight versus placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide reduced body weight more than placebo or other blood-sugar drugs.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseBody weight
Study
n = 6,579
Comparator
Placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Measurements
WMD
−7.99 kg
body weight
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide treatment resulted in reducing HbA1c (WMD: -1.07%; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: -1.44, -0.56), FSG (WMD, -21.50 mg/dl; 95% CI: -34.44, -8.56), body weight (WMD: -7.99 kg; 95% CI -11.36, -4.62), and blood pressure and ameliorated fasting lipid profiles, without increasing hypoglycemia, either as monotherapy or an add-on therapy.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932003
04HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide reduced blood pressure versus placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide lowered blood pressure compared with placebo or other blood-sugar drugs.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseBlood pressure
Study
n = 6,579
Comparator
Placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Blood pressure · Cardiovascular
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide treatment resulted in reducing HbA1c (WMD: -1.07%; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: -1.44, -0.56), FSG (WMD, -21.50 mg/dl; 95% CI: -34.44, -8.56), body weight (WMD: -7.99 kg; 95% CI -11.36, -4.62), and blood pressure and ameliorated fasting lipid profiles, without increasing hypoglycemia, either as monotherapy or an add-on therapy.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932004
05HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide ameliorated fasting lipid profiles versus placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide improved blood fat levels compared with placebo or other blood-sugar drugs.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
MixedFasting lipid profiles
Study
n = 6,579
Comparator
Placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs
Analysis
Secondary
Outcome group
Lipids · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide treatment resulted in reducing HbA1c (WMD: -1.07%; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: -1.44, -0.56), FSG (WMD, -21.50 mg/dl; 95% CI: -34.44, -8.56), body weight (WMD: -7.99 kg; 95% CI -11.36, -4.62), and blood pressure and ameliorated fasting lipid profiles, without increasing hypoglycemia, either as monotherapy or an add-on therapy.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932005
06HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide did not increase hypoglycemia, either as monotherapy or with other therapy.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide did not raise the risk of low blood sugar.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
No significant changeHypoglycemia
Study
n = 6,579
Comparator
Placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs
Outcome group
Adverse events · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide treatment resulted in reducing HbA1c (WMD: -1.07%; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: -1.44, -0.56), FSG (WMD, -21.50 mg/dl; 95% CI: -34.44, -8.56), body weight (WMD: -7.99 kg; 95% CI -11.36, -4.62), and blood pressure and ameliorated fasting lipid profiles, without increasing hypoglycemia, either as monotherapy or an add-on therapy.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932006
07HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide increased the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events, mainly when given with other therapy.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide raised the risk of gut side effects, mainly when taken with other treatment.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
IncreaseGastrointestinal adverse events
Study
n = 6,579
Comparator
Placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs
Outcome group
Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Tirzepatide increased the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events mainly in add-on therapy but not in terms of pancreatitis or cholelithiasis.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932007
08HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide did not increase the risk of pancreatitis or cholelithiasis.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide did not raise the risk of pancreatitis or gallstones.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
No significant changePancreatitis or cholelithiasis
Study
n = 6,579
Comparator
Placebo or active hypoglycemic drugs
Outcome group
Adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
but not in terms of pancreatitis or cholelithiasis.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932008
09HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide showed a dose-response effect on HbA1c reduction.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, higher tirzepatide doses lowered HbA1c more.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseDose-response of HbA1c reduction
Study
n = 6,579
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Furthermore, tirzepatide presented a dose-response effect on the reduction in HbA1c and body weight and increase in nausea and vomiting.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932009
10HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide showed a dose-response effect on body weight reduction.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, higher tirzepatide doses reduced body weight more.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
DecreaseDose-response of body weight reduction
Study
n = 6,579
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Furthermore, tirzepatide presented a dose-response effect on the reduction in HbA1c and body weight and increase in nausea and vomiting.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932010
11HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide showed a dose-response increase in nausea.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, nausea became more common with higher tirzepatide doses.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
IncreaseDose-response of nausea
Study
n = 6,579
Outcome group
Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Furthermore, tirzepatide presented a dose-response effect on the reduction in HbA1c and body weight and increase in nausea and vomiting.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932011
12HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In a meta-analysis of trials in type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide showed a dose-response increase in vomiting.
In plain wordsIn adults with type 2 diabetes, vomiting became more common with higher tirzepatide doses.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
IncreaseDose-response of vomiting
Study
n = 6,579
Outcome group
Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Furthermore, tirzepatide presented a dose-response effect on the reduction in HbA1c and body weight and increase in nausea and vomiting.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Six trials comprising 6,579 subjects (4,410 in the tirzepatide group and 2,054 in the control group) fulfilled the pre-specified criteria and were included in the study.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3656932012

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Version 2Current
12 Oct 2026, 12:58 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:07 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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