Tirzepatide versus placebo in adults with osteoarthritis and obesity: a secondary analysis of the SURMOUNT 1, 2, and 3 randomised trials

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease in which the tissues in the joint break down over time. It is a major cause of pain and disability, particularly in people with overweight or obesity. Tirzepatide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and support weight loss. While tirzepatide has demonstrated substantial weight loss benefits, its effects on osteoarthritis-related pain and physical function remain unclear.

This study is a secondary analysis of data from three clinical trials (SURMOUNT 1, 2, and 3) that originally investigated the effects of tirzepatide versus placebo in adults with overweight or obesity. The proposed study will build on these trials by specifically examining outcomes in participants with a history of osteoarthritis. The aim is to determine whether once-weekly tirzepatide leads to greater improvements in patient-reported physical functioning and bodily pain over a 72-week period compared to placebo, in adults with overweight or obesity and osteoarthritis who are also receiving lifestyle modification advice. It will also explore whether the effect of tirzepatide on pain and function differs between those with and without pre-existing osteoarthritis.

This will provide the first published evidence on the effect of tirzepatide on pain and function in people with osteoarthritis. By assessing its impact in this population, the research may help clarify whether tirzepatide could be a viable treatment option for osteoarthritis. The results may also inform the design of future clinical trials evaluating tirzepatide for osteoarthritis symptom management in people with overweight or obesity.