Tirzepatide for Obesity

Overseen By Varun Jain, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 4

Sponsor: Marlene Starr

Must not be taking: GLP-1 agonists, Immunosuppressants

Disqualifiers: Thyroid carcinoma, Pancreatitis, Diabetes, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

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: 7

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial will test whether preoperative tirzepatide treatment improves outcomes after bariatric surgery. The outcome of this study could impact therapeutic guidelines for the multimodal treatment of obesity. The major objectives are: 1. To evaluate whether pre-operative tirzepatide treatment reduces tissue and circulating inflammatory markers at the time of surgery. 2. To establish the relationship of these changes with postoperative improvements in weight loss, metabolic and inflammatory profiles, comorbidity resolution (glycemic control, blood pressure, lipid profile), and 30-day surgical complications. Researchers will compare data from patients taking tirzepatide to data from patients not taking tirzepatide before their planned bariatric surgery to see if tirzepatide reduces inflammation and improves health outcomes after bariatric surgery. Participants will: Take or not take tirzepatide, depending on what study group they are in, once a week for 3 months. Visit the endocrine clinic once a month for 3 months to be prescribed the drug and for checkups regarding side effects due to the drug. Keep a diary to document taking the drug and any side effects. Continue with their planned bariatric surgery and post-surgery follow-ups according to their healthcare provider.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently using a GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, or have used one in the past 90 days, you cannot participate in the trial.

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Tirzepatide for obesity?

Research shows that Tirzepatide, a drug that works on specific hormones in the body, helps people with obesity and type 2 diabetes lose weight effectively. Studies found it leads to more weight loss compared to other similar treatments, and it also improves other health factors like blood pressure and insulin sensitivity. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is tirzepatide safe for humans?

Tirzepatide has been tested in several clinical trials for type 2 diabetes and has shown a safety profile similar to other drugs in its class, with common side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, especially at higher doses. It has also been associated with a reduced risk of major cardiovascular events, indicating it is generally safe for human use. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How is the drug tirzepatide unique for treating obesity?

Tirzepatide is unique because it targets two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which help control blood sugar and appetite, leading to significant weight loss. This dual action makes it different from other treatments that typically target only one hormone. ^{1 4 6 11 12}

Research Team

Varun Jain, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

William B Inabnet, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

Simon J Fisher, MD. PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

Philip A Kern, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

Barbara Nikolajczyk, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

Marlene Starr, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with obesity, especially those planning to undergo bariatric surgery. Participants should be willing to take a drug called tirzepatide or follow standard care for three months before their surgery and keep a diary of their experience.

Inclusion Criteria

Demonstrated abstinence from any form of nicotine use, confirmed by serum nicotine and metabolite testing

I prefer and am a good candidate for weight loss surgery using a minimally invasive method.

Enrollment in the ADORE Bariatric Tissue Bank (IRB #69767)

Exclusion Criteria

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

I have active gallstones or jaundice that hasn't been treated.

I cannot take tirzepatide due to health reasons.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Preoperative Treatment

Participants receive tirzepatide or no treatment once a week for 3 months before surgery

12 weeks

3 visits (in-person, monthly)

Surgery

Participants undergo planned bariatric surgery

1 day

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after surgery, with assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery

12 months

4 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Tirzepatide

Trial Overview The study tests if taking tirzepatide before bariatric surgery can reduce inflammation and improve weight loss and health outcomes post-surgery compared to not taking the drug. Patients will visit the clinic monthly for checkups.

Participant Groups

Group I: Standard of Care plus Drug Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participant receives drug for 3 months prior to surgery

Group II: Standard of Care Alone Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Marlene Starr

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

50+

Findings from Research

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]

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, 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 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, 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]

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 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, 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 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, 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, 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]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Weight loss efficiency and safety of tirzepatide: A Systematic review. [2023]

2. England 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. [2023]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of tirzepatide for treatment of overweight or obesity. A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]

4. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perspectives on weight control in diabetes - Tirzepatide. [2023]

5. Germany 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. [2023]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tirzepatide: Clinical review of the "twincretin" injectable. [2023]

7. England 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. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tirzepatide, the Newest Medication for Type 2 Diabetes: A Review of the Literature and Implications for Clinical Practice. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Perspective for Primary Care Providers. [2023]

10. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tirzepatide: First Approval. [2022]

11. Switzerland 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? [2023]

12. United Arab Emirates pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tirzepatide: A New Generation Therapeutic for Diabetes Type 2. [2023]