Tirzepatide for Obesity

(SURMOUNT-MMO Trial)

Not currently recruiting at 827 trial locations

Overseen By Joseph Soufer

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 3

Sponsor: Eli Lilly and Company

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Recent MI, Pancreatitis, others

Pivotal Trial (Near Approval) This treatment is in the last trial phase before FDA approval

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Approved in 5 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: Up to 5 years

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new treatment called tirzepatide to determine its effectiveness in reducing health problems and deaths in adults with obesity. Participants will receive either tirzepatide, a medication acting as a GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, or a placebo, a harmless substance resembling the real treatment, to compare effects. Suitable candidates have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher and either have heart disease or are at risk for it. The study aims to discover if tirzepatide can provide real health benefits for those living with obesity. As a Phase 3 trial, it represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that tirzepatide is likely to be safe for humans?

Research has shown that tirzepatide is generally well-tolerated. Previous studies found it effective for weight loss and used it to treat obesity. In these studies, tirzepatide helped participants lose a significant amount of weight and reduce waist size over time.

Compared to other treatments, like semaglutide, tirzepatide demonstrated strong results in these areas. Importantly, it has been linked to a lower risk of major health issues, such as heart and kidney problems. However, while tirzepatide appears promising, more research is needed to fully understand its safety compared to similar drugs.

Overall, available evidence suggests that tirzepatide is safe, with manageable side effects. However, individual experiences can vary, so discussing participation with healthcare providers before joining any trial is important. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?

Tirzepatide is unique because it targets two key hormones involved in appetite and blood sugar regulation: GLP-1 and GIP. This dual-action approach sets it apart from other obesity treatments that typically focus on just one hormone. Researchers are excited about tirzepatide because it has shown promise in producing significant weight loss, potentially offering more effective results than current options like GLP-1 receptor agonists. Additionally, tirzepatide is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which can be more convenient for some patients compared to daily oral medications.

What evidence suggests that tirzepatide might be an effective treatment for obesity?

Research has shown that tirzepatide, which participants in this trial may receive, is highly effective for weight loss in people with obesity. One study found that nearly half of the participants lost at least 20% of their body weight after 72 weeks of treatment. Studies also indicate that tirzepatide reduces the risk of major health issues, such as heart and kidney problems. Experts agree that tirzepatide effectively manages weight and improves health, making it a promising option for treating obesity. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Call 1-877-CTLILLY (1-877-285-4559 or 1-317-615-4559 Mon - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM Eastern time (UTC/GMT - 5 hours, EST)

Principal Investigator

Eli Lilly and Company

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Adults with obesity are eligible, specifically those ≥40 years old with cardiovascular disease or older adults with multiple CV risk factors. Participants must have a BMI of ≥27 kg/m² but cannot have diabetes, recent serious heart conditions, pancreatitis, certain cancers in the last 5 years, or significant liver disease.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 40 with heart disease or at high risk due to my age and health factors.

I am 40 or older with a diagnosed heart condition.

I am over 40 with heart disease or have risk factors for it.

Exclusion Criteria

I have severe stomach emptying issues or have had/planning weight loss surgery (not including liposuction or tummy tuck).

I have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 in my family or myself.

I have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or I've had ketoacidosis or a severe diabetic coma.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive escalated doses of tirzepatide subcutaneously up to a maximum tolerated dose or placebo

Up to 5 years

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Placebo
• Tirzepatide

Trial Overview The trial is testing Tirzepatide's effectiveness in reducing health problems and death rates among obese adults compared to a placebo. It aims to provide more evidence for Tirzepatide as a beneficial treatment for this group.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Tirzepatide Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive escalated doses of tirzepatide subcutaneously (SC) up to a maximum tolerated dose.

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants will receive tirzepatide matched placebo.

Tirzepatide is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada, United Kingdom for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Mounjaro for:

• Type 2 diabetes

Approved in European Union as Mounjaro for:

• Type 2 diabetes

Approved in Canada as Mounjaro for:

• Type 2 diabetes

Approved in United States as Zepbound for:

• Weight loss
• Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea

Approved in United Kingdom as Zepbound for:

• Weight loss

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Eli Lilly and Company

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,708

Recruited

3,720,000+

Dr. Daniel Skovronsky

Eli Lilly and Company

Chief Medical Officer since 2018

MD from Harvard Medical School

David A. Ricks

Eli Lilly and Company

Chief Executive Officer since 2017

BSc from Purdue University, MBA from Indiana University

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a 72-week phase 3 trial involving 938 adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide (10 mg and 15 mg) led to significant weight loss, with reductions of -12.8% and -14.7% respectively, compared to only -3.2% with placebo.

The safety profile of tirzepatide was generally favorable, with most adverse events being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues, and serious adverse events were rare, indicating it is a safe option for weight management in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity in people with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2): a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Garvey, WT., Frias, JP., Jastreboff, AM., et al.[2023]

In a systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving 5800 patients, tirzepatide was found to be highly effective for weight loss, with 78.22% achieving at least 5% weight loss and 32.28% achieving at least 15% weight loss.

Tirzepatide demonstrated superior weight loss compared to placebo and semaglutide, with a significant mean weight loss of -12.47 kg at the 5 mg dose, while showing a manageable safety profile with only a slight increase in gastrointestinal adverse events compared to placebo.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of tirzepatide for treatment of overweight or obesity. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Tan, B., Pan, XH., Chew, HSJ., et al.[2023]

Tirzepatide demonstrated a dose-dependent ability to lower HbA1c levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, with reductions ranging from -17.71 to -22.35 mmol/mol compared to placebo, and was also more effective in reducing body weight than other treatments.

While tirzepatide did not increase the risk of hypoglycaemia compared to placebo and showed lower rates than basal insulin, it was associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects, particularly nausea and vomiting, especially at the 15 mg dose.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Management of type 2 diabetes with the dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Karagiannis, T., Avgerinos, I., Liakos, A., et al.[2023]

Tirzepatide, a new medication approved by the FDA, acts as an agonist for both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which helps improve blood sugar control in patients with type II diabetes when combined with diet and exercise.

This drug represents a significant advancement in diabetes management, offering a new approach to treatment by targeting multiple pathways involved in glucose regulation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tirzepatide: A New Generation Therapeutic for Diabetes Type 2. Al-Horani, RA., Chedid, M.[2023]

Tirzepatide, the first dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonist approved for type 2 diabetes, significantly reduces HbA1c levels (by 1.24 to 2.58%) and body weight (by 5.4-11.7 kg) in clinical trials involving type 2 diabetic patients, outperforming the selective GLP-1 RA semaglutide.

The safety profile of tirzepatide is similar to that of other GLP-1 receptor agonists, with common side effects including nausea and diarrhea, and it shows potential cardiovascular safety, as no significant increase in major adverse cardiovascular events was observed during the trials.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes with unmatched effectiveness regrading glycaemic control and body weight reduction. Nauck, MA., D'Alessio, DA.[2022]

Tirzepatide, a novel GLP-1 receptor agonist, has been shown to significantly reduce A1C levels and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to placebo and other active treatments.

The safety profile of tirzepatide is similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists, with the most common side effects being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues, and it does not increase the risk of hypoglycemia, making it a promising treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Perspective for Primary Care Providers. Kushner, P., Anderson, JE., Simon, J., et al.[2023]

Tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, showed significant reductions in Hemoglobin A1c levels (up to 3.02%) and weight loss in adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, outperforming both placebo and active comparators like semaglutide.

The safety profile of tirzepatide was comparable to semaglutide regarding gastrointestinal adverse effects, and it did not increase the incidence of major cardiovascular events compared to insulin glargine, indicating it may be a valuable addition to diabetes treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tirzepatide, the Newest Medication for Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of the Literature and Implications for Clinical Practice. Bradley, CL., McMillin, SM., Hwang, AY., et al.[2023]

Tirzepatide significantly reduces body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, with an average weight loss of -9.81 kg compared to placebo, based on a meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 9,873 patients.

While tirzepatide is effective for weight loss, it has a higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects compared to placebo, although serious adverse events and hypoglycemia are less common, indicating a need for monitoring these reactions during treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Weight loss efficiency and safety of tirzepatide: A Systematic review. Lin, F., Yu, B., Ling, B., et al.[2023]

Tirzepatide, a once-weekly medication for type 2 diabetes, not only improves blood sugar control but also leads to significant weight loss and positive changes in cardiovascular health, such as reduced blood pressure and improved insulin sensitivity.

The weight loss and metabolic benefits of tirzepatide are linked to its dual action as a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, suggesting that these mechanisms play a crucial role in its effectiveness for managing type 2 diabetes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perspectives on weight control in diabetes - Tirzepatide. Várkonyi, TT., Pósa, A., Pávó, N., et al.[2023]

Tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, has a safety profile similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists, but higher doses (10mg and above) are associated with increased risks of hypoglycemia and treatment discontinuation.

In clinical trials involving 9818 patients, higher doses of tirzepatide led to more frequent gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, indicating that these adverse events are dose-dependent.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review of the safety of tirzepatide-a new dual GLP1 and GIP agonist - is its safety profile acceptable? Meng, Z., Yang, M., Wen, H., et al.[2023]

Tirzepatide is a novel medication that acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, enhancing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon levels, which helps improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

It received its first approval in the USA in May 2022 for T2DM treatment and is currently being studied for additional conditions like obesity, heart failure, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, indicating its potential for broader therapeutic applications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tirzepatide: First Approval. Syed, YY.[2022]

Tirzepatide, approved in 2022, is a novel treatment for type 2 diabetes that acts on both GLP-1 and GIP pathways, showing significant efficacy in lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss in various patient groups.

Clinical trials, including the SURPASS and SURMOUNT studies, indicate that tirzepatide has a safety profile similar to traditional GLP-1 receptor agonists, with common gastrointestinal side effects, making it a promising option for patients needing better glycemic and weight management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tirzepatide: Clinical review of the "twincretin" injectable. Krauss, Z., Hintz, A., Fisk, R.[2023]

Citations

1. nejm.org nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2416394

Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for ... For example, among the participants who had a weight reduction of at least 20% while receiving treatment and had available data at week 72 (46.5 ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12313391/

Weight Loss Efficacy of Tirzepatide Compared to Placebo or ... We included studies involving adult participants who were overweight or obese despite T2DM or OHA use, with a trial duration of at least 20 weeks. The primary ...

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2822209

Clinical Outcomes of Tirzepatide or GLP-1 Receptor ... Treatment with tirzepatide was associated with significantly lower hazards of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and kidney events compared ...

4. icer.org icer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ICER_Obesity_Draft-Report_For-Publication_090925.pdf

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide for Obesity: Effectiveness and ... examining obesity-related outcomes, but real-world studies reporting comparative effectiveness data and adherence. Our assessments are based ...

5. uchicagomedicine.org uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/research-and-discoveries-articles/2024/may/research-on-glp-1-drugs

Research shows GLP-1 drugs are effective but complex Physicians and researchers agree that the drugs are highly effective for weight management and Type 2 diabetes treatment.

6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/

Tirzepatide - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf This medication also demonstrates efficacy in weight loss, leading to its off-label use for obesity treatment. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist for the glucagon- ...

7. nejm.org nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity Preclinical data demonstrated that the affinity of tirzepatide for GIP receptors was equal to the affinity of native GIP for GIP receptors, ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12357579/

Comparative Safety of GLP-1/GIP Co-Agonists Versus GLP-1 ... Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, shows promise for weight loss, but its safety compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists requires (liraglutide, ...