Lipedema Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Lipedema Clinical Trials?

Lipedema is a condition that causes surplus fat to collect around the calves, buttocks, and thighs. It is more predominant in women, and the exact cause has yet to be discovered.

The symptoms of lipedema are:

• A fat build-up in the buttocks, calves, and thighs. In some cases, it will affect the upper arms.

• Lipedema is painful, and progressive lipedema can affect walking.

• As more fat gathers in the affected areas, it causes a build-up of fluid (lymph), and it will cause lymphedema, an imbalance of fluid in the lymphatic system.

Although lipedema is a common disease, not many doctors know much about it. Clinical trials and research must be ongoing to help those with lipedema.

Why Is Lipedema Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

According to the National Library of Medicine, 1 out of 9 women in the United States has lipedema. This disease causes pain and discomfort, and patients suffer from bruising, tenderness, and often deformity. Depression and low quality of life are linked to people with lipedema.

Clinical trials, medication, and forms of therapy are researched to alleviate the symptoms of lipedema. Research to find treatments other than surgery is also continuing.

What Are The Types of Treatments Available For Lipedema?

Treatment for lipedema will depend on the severity of the condition. Here are the key treatments for lipedema:

• Getting enough exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and diet.

• Wearing compression stockings to alleviate pain and make walking more comfortable.

• Preventing skin from becoming dry by using creams that retain moisture.

• Many people with lipedema suffer from depression because of their condition. Counseling and therapy are available to help in this regard.

• In severe cases, the fat build-up can be removed surgically (liposuction).

There are certain medications that a doctor will consider for a patient with lipedema. These are:

• Corticosteroids- eases irritation and swelling

• Diuretics – increases salt and water expelled through urine

• Selenium – for thyroid and metabolic functions

• Flavonoids – to combat toxins

• Beta-adrenergic agonists – help with nerve stimulation in the body

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Lipedema?

There is currently no cure for lipedema, but clinical trials are ongoing to find ways to understand and treat this condition. Below are two recent clinical trials for lipedema.

2019: Treatment Of Women With Significant Fat Above The Knees – the study began in June 2018 and was completed in May 2019. 12 participants aged 20 to 65 years were given injections of (RZL-012) to test the safety and effect of this medication. This medication was last verified in September 2019. The ongoing research will benefit lipedema patients by reducing fat deposits without surgery.

2021: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression for Lipedema with Swelling – this clinical research tested the manual compression device (Flexitouch system) for lymphatic drainage. It was tested on 36 females, 18 to 70 years, from January 2020 to November 2021. After three to four weeks of usage, the outcome was a reduction in symptoms, and the quality of life for lipedema patients improved.

Who Are Key Opinion Leaders In Lipedema Clinical Trial Research?

Dr. David Amron, a surgeon, has developed the Advanced Lipedema Treatment (ALT). Over the past 25 years, he has developed this technique. He has performed over 5,000 lipedema surgeries at the Roxbury Institute in Los Angeles.

Dr. Karen L Herbst has a Ph.D. in Cell Physiology and, since 2000, has been working with patients with connective tissue issues. She is passionate about finding methods to help her patients with Complete Lipedema Care.