Case:RWE study reveals sustained efficacy of diabetes treatment Cases > RWE reveals sustained efficacy diabetes treatment Every prescription tells a story. But do you know what happens after the prescription is written? For a global healthcare company, understanding how semaglutide performed in real-world settings – not just in clinical trials – was critical to shaping their strategy. We provided the answers by analyzing two years of patient outcomes through Denmark’s extensive health registries. Key takeaways The client aimed to assess long-term efficacy and compliance for semaglutide. We analyzed two years of patient data from Danish health registries. Our study showed sustained blood sugar reduction during the follow-up period. Adherence rates were 70% in the first six months but declined to 50% by year two. The findings were published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. The Challenge When launching or managing established therapies, pharmaceutical companies must answer critical questions: How does the treatment perform in real-world settings? Are patients adhering to the prescribed regimen? Our client, a global healthcare company, needed answers to these questions for semaglutide to provide regulators with robust documentation of its efficacy and compliance. The specific goals were: Documenting blood sugar levels over two years after semaglutide initiation. Quantifying patient adherence using prescription redemption patterns as a proxy. Presenting findings that could support regulatory documentation and marketing strategies. Without real-world data, the client faced challenges in substantiating claims beyond clinical trials. Danish registries provided an opportunity to address these gaps with comprehensive and reliable data. The Solution We collaborated closely with the client to design and execute a real-world evidence study that met their needs. Our work focused on defining the study cohort, analyzing key outcomes, and delivering actionable insights. Here’s what we did: Defined the cohort using Danish health registry data to identify patients with type 2 diabetes who had initiated semaglutide. Measured long-term blood sugar levels (HbA1c) through two years after first exposure. Evaluated adherence rates by calculating the percentage of days covered (PDC) based on prescription redemptions. Analyzed the results to provide a comprehensive picture of efficacy and adherence, transforming registry data into actionable insights. “These findings showed that semaglutide could sustain blood sugar reductions even after two years,” said Andreas Høiberg Bentsen, Chief Adviser Real-World Evidence at Signum. “It’s exactly the kind of real-world data regulators and healthcare providers need to assess long-term treatment impact.” The Results The study provided valuable insights into the long-term effectiveness of semaglutide and patient adherence patterns in a Danish type 2 diabetes cohort: Sustained efficacy: Blood sugar levels showed consistent improvement over the two years, demonstrating the drug’s effectiveness in a real-world setting. Adherence trends: 70% of patients maintained high adherence (PDC > 80%) during the first six months, but this figure declined to around 50% by the second year. These findings provided the client with compelling evidence to showcase the real-world effectiveness of semaglutide to regulators and healthcare providers. The study also highlighted opportunities to address barriers to long-term patient adherence. Additionally, the robust data served as a valuable tool for enhancing the client’s marketing strategies, helping to differentiate semaglutide in a competitive market. “This analysis showcases the potential of real-world evidence to refine strategies and enhance patient outcomes,” said Andreas. “By leveraging comprehensive health registry data, we can identify adherence trends and efficacy patterns that inform targeted interventions, ultimately improving long-term treatment success.” Driving value with real-world evidence At Signum, we specialize in bridging the gap between data and actionable insights. By combining exclusive access to Danish health registries with our real-world evidence and market research expertise, we empower our clients to uncover opportunities, address challenges, and drive strategies that deliver measurable impact. Let’s discuss how we can help if you’re exploring similar projects. For more information, please contact Andreas Høiberg Bentsen Head of Real-World Evidence ahb@signumlifescience.com +45 40 389 954 You might also like Forecasting trends to drive vaccination uptake in Denmark Learn how real-world evidence improved vaccination uptake in Denmark, helped address disparities in the private market, and supported strategic planning. Inspire me Improving ADHD treatment strategies with real-world data Learn how real-world data improves ADHD treatment strategies by offering insights into patient demographics, trends, and resource optimization. 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