Hospital-based Cost-Effectiveness of Semaglutide for Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), has demonstrated substantial efficacy in glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); However, it is associated with high treatment costs.

Objective: To evaluate the cost and effectiveness of Semaglutide in reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels among patients with T2DM from the healthcare provider perspective.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with T2DM who received Semaglutide between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. Treatment costs and HbA1c levels were analyzed before and after 12 months of Semaglutide therapy from the healthcare provider perspective.

Results: A total of 52 patients were included, with a mean age of 59.48 ± 11.54 years; 59.6% were female. The mean duration of diabetes was 9.37 ± 5.52 years, and the mean body weight was 81.57 ± 15.17 kg. Hypertension was present in 92.3% of patients. After 12 months of Semaglutide treatment, a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c was observed (−1.53%, p<0.001). The number of patients achieving target HbA1c levels increased by 15 (p < 0.001), along with a significant decrease in body weight (−3.07 kg, p<0.001). Semaglutide use resulted in an average treatment cost increase of 36,518.58 THB per patient per year. Cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that reducing HbA1c by 1% required an additional cost of 23,868.35 THB per year, while achieving the target HbA1c level in one additional patient cost 2,434.57 THB per person per year.

Conclusion: Semaglutide therapy in patients with T2DM significantly improved glycemic control and reduced body weight. The incremental cost associated with a 1% reduction in HbA1c was 23,868.35 Thai Baht per patient per year.