Incretin receptor agonists, including GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 agents, have revolutionized the treatment landscape for type 2 diabetes and obesity by positively impacting all components of metabolic syndrome—improving glycemic control, promoting weight loss, and reducing cardiovascular and renal events. However, their high cost and the need for long-term administration remain major barriers to widespread adoption, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. This Research Topic aims to explore how these therapies can be implemented more sustainably and equitably, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.

We invite contributions addressing the following core areas:

•Economic Evaluation: Targeted cost-utility and cost-effectiveness analyses to determine the economic impacts of incretin therapies compared to long-term health benefits, such as diabetes progression, weight loss, and decreased cardiovascular and renal event incidence.

•Health Outcomes Assessment: Assess patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life through longitudinal studies and real-world data, employing predictive modeling to evaluate long-term benefits.

•Policy and Drug Utilization: Analyze existing prescription and reimbursement policies, and assess socio-economic and cultural determinants of access, adherence, and equity in the use of incretin-based therapies. This may include:
-Drug Utilisation: Describe and evaluate prescribing patterns and patient adherence to incretin-based treatments, considering diverse patient, provider, and contextual factors.
-Policy Evaluation: Assess current policies related to the prescribing and reimbursement of incretin-based treatments, with a focus on availability, accessibility, and existing inequalities.

By integrating pharmacoeconomics, patient-centered outcomes, and health policy analysis, this Research Topic provides a multidimensional perspective to generate evidence-based insights aimed at promoting equitable access strategies. The ultimate goal is to support healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients in making informed decisions about resource allocation, treatment strategies, and public health planning.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Incretin-Based Therapies: Economic Sustainability and Health Impact in the Global Management of Metabolic Syndrome