Largest Real-World Study in Japan Demonstrates Effectiveness and Safety of Tirzepatide in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Multi-site retrospective study of 203 patients over 52 weeks published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
KAMOGAWA / TOKYO / CHIBA, Japan — A research team led by Dr. Masaki Miura, Head of the Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Kameda General Hospital, has published the results of the largest multi-site real-world study conducted in Japan evaluating the effectiveness and safety of tirzepatide (brand name: Mounjaro®) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.
The findings have been published as an open-access article in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (Impact Factor: 5.8), a leading international peer-reviewed journal in the field of metabolic research.
Background and Objectives
Tirzepatide is a novel dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that has attracted significant global attention for its potential to improve glycemic control while promoting weight reduction. Although the international SURPASS clinical trial program has demonstrated robust efficacy, real-world clinical data in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes have remained limited.
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of tirzepatide over a period of up to 52 weeks in 203 Japanese patients treated at three facilities:
● Kameda General Hospital (Kamogawa, Chiba)
● Kameda Kyobashi Clinic (Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
● Kameda Makuhari Clinic (Chiba, Chiba)
Study Design and Key Findings
The retrospective analysis assessed longitudinal changes in HbA1c and body weight following the initiation of tirzepatide therapy, as well as treatment discontinuation rates and the incidence of adverse events.
Key findings include:
● Significant reductions in HbA1c
● Significant reductions in body weight
● Low treatment discontinuation rates
● Favorable tolerability profile among Japanese patients
These results confirm that the effectiveness observed in international clinical trials is reproducible in routine clinical practice in Japan.
By generating evidence from real-world clinical settings — which differ from the controlled environments of clinical trials — this study provides a comprehensive assessment of the risk-benefit profile of tirzepatide in Japanese patients. The findings offer clinically meaningful insights to support individualized treatment decisions based on patient characteristics in everyday medical practice.
Author Comment
We are very pleased to have compiled multi-site real-world data on tirzepatide use in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. By demonstrating effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice, which are not always fully captured in clinical trial settings, we hope this study will contribute to optimizing the positioning of tirzepatide in diabetes care. We remain committed to conducting research grounded in real-world practice to further improve therapeutic options for patients living with diabetes.
Publication Details
Title: Real-world effectiveness and safety of tirzepatide in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A multi-site retrospective study
Journal: Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (Impact Factor: 5.8)
DOI: 10.1111/dom.70550
The full article is available here (Open Access):
About Kameda Medical Center
Kameda Medical Center (Kameda General Hospital & Kameda Clinic) is a private healthcare group headquartered in Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture. The center provides comprehensive medical services across a broad range of specialties and is committed to advancing clinical research and medical education.
Media Contact
Public Relations
TEL: +81-4-7099-1164
Email: koho@kameda.jp
Media inquiry form: https://www.kameda.or.jp/hospital/form/coverage/?location=1