Taking part

Previous studies using diet or bariatric surgery to induce weight loss have demonstrated significant improvement in IIH by reducing intracranial pressure and subsequently papilloedema and headaches.

Weight loss attained through dieting is, though, challenging to achieve and maintain. Weight loss achieved by bariatric surgery is invasive and is not appropriate for many patients. Hence there is a need to develop a safe, acceptable and effective method to lose and maintain weight and consequently induce IIH remission. The advent of the new class of anti-obesity drugs is an important opportunity as this class of drugs is known to be safe and highly effective. Tirzepatide is a highly effective drug in this class.

However, there is uncertainty about the use of anti-obesity drugs in the context of IIH. The amount of weight loss needed and the ability of anti-obesity drugs to generate sufficient weight loss to induce remission in IIH is not known. Additionally, the impact of weight regain (that can occur when anti-obesity drugs are stopped) on disease activity is not well described. This trial sets out to answer these questions.