- Semaglutide and tirzepatide are different active ingredients with different product labels and evidence records.
- SURMOUNT-5 was a phase 3b, open-label, randomized trial in 751 adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes.
- It compared maximum tolerated doses of tirzepatide (10 or 15 mg) with semaglutide (1.7 or 2.4 mg), once weekly for 72 weeks.
- The named trial studied approved products and does not establish an outcome for a compounded preparation or an individual patient.
What the medicines are
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are different active ingredients. Their approved products have different labels, evidence programs, and prescribing contexts. A comparison can describe those differences, but it cannot decide which treatment, if any, is appropriate for a particular person.
What SURMOUNT-5 studied
SURMOUNT-5 (PubMed 40353578) was a phase 3b, open-label, controlled trial. It randomized 751 adults with obesity but without type 2 diabetes to maximum tolerated doses of tirzepatide (10 or 15 mg) or semaglutide (1.7 or 2.4 mg), administered once weekly for 72 weeks. The primary endpoint was percent change in weight at week 72; key secondary endpoints included threshold weight reductions and waist circumference.
The study reported greater least-squares mean weight and waist-circumference reductions with tirzepatide in that population and period. The most common adverse events in both groups were gastrointestinal and occurred primarily during dose escalation. Read the full PubMed record for the methods, confidence intervals, funding, and limitations.
What the trial cannot prove
SURMOUNT-5 does not test a compounded preparation. Its results should not be presented as a Kind MD result, a forecast for an individual, or evidence that one person should change treatment. A branded-product trial also does not establish a formulation, pharmacy, availability, or outcome for a compounded prescription.
Do not use this page to switch, convert, taper, or choose a dose. A licensed healthcare provider makes an independent prescribing decision when clinically appropriate.
Questions for the prescribing conversation
- Which product and formulation are being considered, and what label applies?
- Which study population and endpoint are relevant to the clinical question?
- What evidence is not available for a compounded preparation?
- What should I ask the dispensing pharmacy about my prescription?
Kind MD is a telehealth platform that connects eligible patients with licensed healthcare providers who may prescribe compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide when clinically appropriate. Kind MD works with licensed U.S. pharmacies. The dispensing pharmacy and applicable oversight may vary by prescription and state.
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