Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Perspective for Primary Care Providers

This article reviews the efficacy and safety data of tirzepatide, a once-weekly, novel glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved in the United States, the European Union, and other regions for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. All doses of tirzepatide demonstrated superiority in reducing A1C and body weight from baseline versus placebo or active comparators. The safety profile of tirzepatide was consistent with that of the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, with mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal side effects being the most common adverse events. With clinically and statistically significant reductions in A1C and body weight without increased risk of hypoglycemia in various populations, tirzepatide has demonstrated potential as a first-in-class treatment option for many people with type 2 diabetes.