Diabetes Drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro Shown to Significantly Reduce risk of Stroke and Heart Attack
NEW YORK – November 15, 2025 – A landmark study presented today at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting reveals that the diabetes medications Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) offer substantial cardiovascular benefits, extending beyond blood sugar control to demonstrably lower the risk of stroke and heart attack. The findings,published concurrently in The New England Journal of Medicine,represent a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of both type 2 diabetes and obesity-related cardiovascular disease.
The research, involving over 10,000 adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, showed a 14% reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events - encompassing stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular death – among those treated with Mounjaro compared to placebo. Ozempic demonstrated a similar protective effect in a separate, earlier trial. These results are notably notable given that individuals with type 2 diabetes face a dramatically increased risk of cardiovascular complications, making heart disease the leading cause of death for this population.
The study’s principal investigator, Dr. Julio Rosenstock of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, emphasized the broad implications of the data. “We are seeing a level of cardiovascular benefit with these medications that we haven’t historically observed with other diabetes drugs,” he stated. “This isn’t just about lowering blood sugar; it’s about actively protecting the heart and brain.”
Both Ozempic and Mounjaro belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed to stimulate insulin release and improve glycemic control. Though, recent research has highlighted their potent effects on weight loss and cardiovascular health. The medications work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and food intake, leading to significant reductions in body weight – an autonomous risk factor for heart disease.
The trials included participants from multiple countries, with an average follow-up period of three years. Researchers meticulously tracked cardiovascular events, analyzing data to determine the magnitude of the protective effects. The findings suggest that the benefits extend to a diverse patient population, regardless of existing cardiovascular treatments.
Experts anticipate these findings will influence clinical guidelines and treatment strategies for individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The potential for these medications to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events could have a profound impact on public health,reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke globally. Further research is underway to investigate the long-term effects and optimal use of these medications in broader populations.
