Introduction:
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a novel medication that is currently being investigated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors, which means that it stimulates the production of insulin in response to high blood sugar levels. In this blog post, we will discuss the current status of Mounjaro and what the future holds for clinical trials of this medication.
What is Mounjaro and how does it work?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable medication that is being developed by Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which means that it stimulates the production of insulin in response to high blood sugar levels.
Mounjaro is thought to work by activating these receptors in the pancreas, which leads to the production of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps to lower blood sugar levels by allowing sugar to be taken up from the bloodstream and used for energy. By stimulating the production of insulin, Mounjaro may help to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
What are the future clinical trial plans for Mounjaro?
There are many trials ongoing for Mounjaro in different groups of patients.
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is being used in obese and overweight patients’ to show a mortality benefit from being on the medication.
- TREASURE-CKD is evaluating the use of Mounjaro in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Obesity.
- Mounjaro is being tested against intensive lifestyle intervention program for patients with obesity or elevated BMI with weight-related comorbidities
- Patients on Mounjaro long-term are being compared to patients who were on Mounjaro short term for maintenance of weight loss
- SUMMIT is studying the impact of Mounjaro on patients with Heart Failure, due to Mounjaro’s theoretical cardiovascular benefit
- SURPASS-CVOT is comparing Dulaglutide and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for patients risk for major cardiovascular events. Dulaglutide was shown to protect patients against major cardiovascular events, and Mounjaro is theorized to do the same. This head to head comparison should show which is better!
- SURPASS-SWITCH is comparing patients Type 2 diabetes control and weight loss when switching from Dulaglutide to Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
- SURPASS-PEDS is studying Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for Type 2 Diabetic adolescents (teenagers) for diabetes control and weight loss
- SYNERGY-NASH is studying the impact of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) on NASH (Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis), as it has been theorized that Tirzepatide may help prevent the progression of NASH/NAFLD liver disease.
- SURMOUNT-OSA is studying the impact of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, both by causing weight loss and improving cortisol-related signaling, Mounjaro may improve sleep quality in patients with sleep apnea.
