Comparative Effectiveness of Semaglutide and Dulaglutide

This document is a research report that compares the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between once-weekly semaglutide and dulaglutide in US Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The objective is explicitly stated as assessing the cardiovascular outcomes associated with these two medications. The study employs an observational cohort design, utilizing Medicare fee-for-service claims data from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2022. It includes a detailed methodology section outlining the study design, patient population, and outcome measurement criteria. The report presents results from propensity score matching to ensure comparability between the two treatment groups. Key findings indicate significant differences in cardiovascular outcomes, with semaglutide showing a lower incidence of MACE compared to dulaglutide. The document concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for treatment selection in high-risk populations, addressing a critical gap in existing literature regarding real-world evidence for these therapies.