Semaglutide 2.4 mg Showcases Cost-Effectiveness in Treating Heart Failure in US

A recent study on the use of semaglutide 2.4 mg for treating heart failure has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing medical costs and healthcare resource utilization among patients. The research, conducted by Novo Nordisk, aimed to compare total all-cause medical costs and healthcare resource utilization among patients with overweight or obesity and heart failure treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg versus those not treated. The results showed a significant reduction in medical costs, with a mean all-cause medical cost of 28% lower in the treated group compared to the untreated group.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that semaglutide 2.4 mg reduces mean all-cause medical costs by 28% in patients with overweight or obesity and heart failure.
• Patients treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg had significantly lower healthcare resource utilization rates compared to those not treated.
• The study suggests that semaglutide 2.4 mg can help manage the growing burden of heart failure on the US healthcare system.
• The efficacy of semaglutide 2.4 mg in improving outcomes in patients with heart failure has been demonstrated through clinical trials.
• The study included patients with 1 inpatient or outpatient claim for heart failure during the baseline period, with overweight or obesity, and 12 months of continuous medical and pharmacy enrollment prior to and after the index date.
• Patients were included in the treated group if they first filled a prescription for semaglutide 2.4 mg between June 4, 2021-September 30, 2023.
• Semaglutide-untreated controls were randomly selected and propensity score matched to treated patients based on baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, medical costs, and healthcare resource utilization.

Statistics:

• Mean all-cause medical cost per patient per year (PPPY) in patients treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg was $19,094, compared to $27,638 in patients not treated (P < 0.05).
• Patients treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg had an adjusted cost ratio (aCR) of 0.72, indicating a 28% reduction in medical costs compared to patients not treated.
• Healthcare resource utilization rates were significantly lower in patients treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg compared to those not treated.
• The study included 1,723 patients with overweight or obesity and heart failure.

Sources:

• "Impact of Semaglutide 2.4 mg on Healthcare Resource Utilization and Medical Costs in Patients With Heart Failure in the United States (SHINE-HF)." Clinical Therapeutics, vol. 47, no. 10, 2025, pp. 875-883.
• Novo Nordisk, Clinical Data Science & Evidence, Plainsboro, New Jersey.