We are looking at weight loss using Mounjaro (also called Tirzepatide) in adults with Idiopathic intracranial hypertension and papilloedema.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a condition where there is too much pressure inside the skull. This high pressure can cause swelling of the optic nerve (called papilloedema), which often leads to ongoing, painful headaches and, in some cases, serious and permanent vision loss.
IIH mostly affects women who are overweight and of childbearing age but men can be affected as well. There is no approved (licenced) medication specifically for treating IIH, which makes it a difficult condition to manage.
Research has shown that losing weight—either through diet or weight-loss (bariatric) surgery—can help reduce pressure in the brain and ease symptoms like headaches and eye problems. But losing weight through dieting alone can be very hard to stick with, and weight-loss surgery, while effective, isn’t suitable for everyone.
That’s why Professor Sinclair’s research team are now exploring a new class of medications designed to help with weight loss. These medications, called GLP-1 receptor agonists, are safe and have been very effective in helping people lose weight. One of the most promising drugs in this group is tirzepatide, which works by targeting hormones involved in appetite.
However, it’s still unclear how well these drugs work specifically for people with IIH. For example:
- How much weight needs to be lost to improve or reverse the condition?
- Can these medications help people lose enough weight to make a real difference?
- What happens if someone regains weight after stopping the medication?
This new study aims to answer these important questions. The goal is to find a safer and more practical way for people with IIH to manage their condition and reduce the risk of long-term complications like vision loss.
Find out more:
Interested in taking part?
For detailed information, including how to register for the trial, please visit the following links via the IIH-Intervention Trial website: