A new real-world analysis from Novo Nordisk has reported that adults with type 2 diabetes who increased their Ozempic dose from 1 mg to 2 mg experienced a lower rate of major cardiovascular events than patients who switched to Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro.
The analysis included data from 636,525 adults with type 2 diabetes. According to Novo Nordisk, patients who increased their semaglutide dose to 2 mg had a statistically significant 6% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with people who switched to tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, at doses of up to 15 mg.
The findings were presented at the 2026 annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Milan, Italy. The cardiovascular outcomes measured included death from any cause, heart attack and stroke.
Large Real-World Analysis
Researchers examined treatment patterns among hundreds of thousands of people with type 2 diabetes. Within 365 days of their initial prescription, 67.2% remained on 1 mg Ozempic, while others either increased their dose to 2 mg or switched to Mounjaro.
At the 720-day follow-up, Novo reported that 57.4% remained on 1 mg Ozempic, 36.9% had increased to 2 mg and 5.7% had switched to Mounjaro.
Novo said the results may provide additional information for healthcare professionals considering whether to increase semaglutide dosage or switch patients to another treatment.
Results Need Careful Interpretation
The new findings are based on a retrospective analysis of real-world healthcare data rather than a randomized head-to-head cardiovascular trial between Ozempic and Mounjaro. That distinction is important when interpreting the reported 6% difference.
Mounjaro also has established cardiovascular evidence. In August 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Mounjaro to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk. The approval followed the SURPASS-CVOT trial, which enrolled more than 13,000 participants.
The latest results therefore add to an increasingly competitive body of evidence surrounding GLP-1 and related medicines used for diabetes and metabolic conditions.
What the Findings Mean
The study highlights the growing focus on cardiovascular outcomes in addition to blood-sugar control and weight loss. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are continuing to produce evidence about the broader health effects of their medicines.
For patients, treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional because medication choice and dosage can depend on individual medical circumstances.
The new analysis is another development in the rapidly evolving competition between Ozempic and Mounjaro, but further research may be needed to establish how their cardiovascular effects compare under controlled, head-to-head conditions.