Recent research from AMRA Medical and collaborators has highlighted the impact of tirzepatide treatment on fat distribution in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Using personalized fat z-scores derived from MRI scans, the study explored changes in fat storage patterns after 52 weeks of treatment.

Traditional clinical trials often rely on body weight and BMI as measures of treatment effectiveness. However, emerging research suggests that pharmacological interventions may alter fat distribution independently of weight loss. Fat distribution profiling through z-score assessment provides a comprehensive and modifiable endpoint for evaluating therapeutic efficacy.

The analysis of data from Lilly’s SURPASS-3 MRI study revealed significant changes in fat z-scores with tirzepatide treatment. Visceral fat z-score decreased by 0.18 SD, indicating a reduction in abdominal fat. Liver fat z-score decreased by 0.54 SD, suggesting a reduction in fat accumulation in the liver.

Interestingly, subcutaneous fat z-score increased slightly (+0.11 SD). This suggests a shift towards a more balanced fat distribution pattern, with a reduction in unhealthy visceral and liver fat and an increase in subcutaneous fat, which is less metabolically active.

The significant reduction in visceral and liver fat z-scores observed with tirzepatide indicates a potential targeted effect beyond that expected from weight reduction alone. This suggests that tirzepatide may have beneficial effects on fat metabolism and distribution, independent of its weight loss properties.

Implications for Treatment of Obesity and Related Disorders

Fat distribution profiling through personalized z-score assessment offers a valuable tool for assessing the impact of pharmacological interventions on fat distribution in obesity and related disorders. Moving forward, this approach could serve as an essential endpoint in clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of new therapeutic strategies.

Source link: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240410636011/en/AMRA-Medical%E2%80%99s-Innovative-Fat-Z-Score-Biomarkers-Show-Tirzepatide-Treatment-is-Associated-with-a-Potential-Targeted-Effect-on-Visceral-Fat-and-Liver-Fat

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Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.