High Rates of Semaglutide Discontinuation Among Older Adults with Diabetes in the US and Japan

A recent study, presented at the American College of Cardiology 2025 annual meeting in Chicago, IL, highlights a significant concern regarding the discontinuation of semaglutide among older adults with diabetes in both the United States and Japan, despite its well-documented cardioprotective benefits. The study analyzed data from Medicare in the United States (n = 390,036) and DeSC in Japan (n = 19,741), focusing on patients aged 65 and older who initiated semaglutide between 2018 and 2022.

At 12 months, discontinuation rates for injectable and oral semaglutide were 75% and 72% in the United States, respectively, and 69% and 60% in Japan. Older age and a higher burden of comorbidities were associated with a greater likelihood of discontinuation in both populations.

In the US cohort, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely to discontinue treatment, as were those without prior exposure to other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

“Minoritized populations were more likely to discontinue semaglutide, raising concerns about health equity and highlighting the need to establish strategies that promote the continuation of this effective cardioprotective medication,” the researchers concluded.

Reference:
Inoue K, et al. Discontinuation of semaglutide among older adults with diabetes in the US and Japan. Paper presented at: American College of Cardiology; March 29-31, 2025; Chicago, IL. Accessed March 21, 2025. https://accscientificsession.acc.org/