Health Technology Assessment: Evaluation of 7 Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Purpose

This study provides a reference for healthcare organizations in the selection and rational use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), based on the Rapid Guide for Drug Evaluation and Selection in Chinese Medical Institutions (Second Edition).

Methods

According to the Rapid Guide for Drug Evaluation and Selection in Chinese Medical Institutions (Second Edition) released in 2023, relevant databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase, drug labels, and clinical guidelines were searched for drug information. We systematically evaluated 7 GLP-1RAs marketed in China for safety, efficacy, economy, pharmacological properties, and other attributes using a percentage scoring method.

Results

The final assessment result scores from highest to lowest were semaglutide (71.5 points), dulaglutide (68.9 points), liraglutide (68.7 points), exenatide (62.5 points), lixisenatide (59.9 points), polyethylene glycol loxenatide (55.9 points), and benaglutide (45.1 points).

Conclusion

When a healthcare organization introduces GLP-1RAs to their hospital, they can refer to the assessment results and use the top three recommended medications: semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide.

Keywords:

• glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist
• health technology assessment
• type 2 diabetes mellitus
• drug evaluation

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all of the author that participated in the present study.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

Project funded by the Central Financial Government’s Subsidy Fund for Improving Medical Service Protection Capacity, No. Z155080000004. Guangzhou Municipal People’s Livelihood Science and Technology Research Program Project, No. 201803010096. China Association for Pharmaceutical Education 2023 Special Project on Health Technology Assessment of Clinical Medication, No. 2023WSJSPGZXKT-43. Guangdong Hospital Pharmacy Research Fund-Special Fund for Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation of Drugs (No. 2022-1115-12).