Characteristics and Treatment Utilisation Patterns of Individuals Using Tirzepatide for Type 2 Diabetes in Germany

This study describes real-world characteristics and utilisation patterns of tirzepatide among adults with type 2 diabetes in German office-based practice.

This retrospective observational study analysed data from the CompuGroup Medical Healthcare Database. Cohort 1 initiated tirzepatide between 1 December 2023 and 31 March 2024 and cohort 2 between 1 July and 30 September 2024. A subgroup of cohort 1 with ≥ 6 months' follow-up data and uninterrupted tirzepatide use (cohort 1a) was also analysed. Descriptive statistics summarised baseline characteristics, prior therapy, and dosing patterns.

Cohort 1 included 1223 individuals and cohort 2 included 2300; mean (± standard deviation) age was 59 ± 12 and 60 ± 12 years, respectively, and approximately 54% were male. Comorbidities, especially hypertension and dyslipidaemia, were frequent. Most individuals had prior insulin and/or glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) treatment (cohort 1, 72.1%; cohort 2, 59.6%). A total of 458 individuals had 6 months' follow-up (cohort 1a). The most common starting dose was 2.5 mg (71.2%). Use of higher doses gradually increased over time, with 5.0 mg becoming the most prevalent; at 6 months, 35.9% of individuals received 5.0 mg and 18.6% received 10.0 mg.

This first comprehensive real-world study of tirzepatide use in Germany showed tirzepatide initiation primarily after GLP-1 RA and/or insulin therapy. Most individuals remained on 5.0 mg, with a notable proportion escalating to 10.0 mg. Cohort characteristics were generally similar to those in the SURPASS trials, supporting the relevance of trial findings to clinical practice.