Ixekizumab + Tirzepatide for Psoriatic Arthritis

(TOGETHER-PsA Trial)

This trial tests two treatments, ixekizumab and tirzepatide, to determine their effectiveness in helping people with psoriatic arthritis manage symptoms and lose weight. Ixekizumab treats inflammatory conditions, while tirzepatide aids in weight loss. The trial aims to discover if combining both treatments is more effective than using ixekizumab alone. It seeks participants who have had psoriatic arthritis for at least six months and are overweight or have obesity. Participants should also have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Earlier studies have tested ixekizumab in many people with psoriatic arthritis, generally showing a good safety record. A large study of 1,401 patients found that serious heart problems were rare over three years. However, some participants experienced more infections than those who took a placebo.

Tirzepatide is often used for weight management and diabetes and has received FDA approval for type 2 diabetes. This approval suggests it is generally safe, though some people might experience side effects like nausea or diarrhea.

Research on using ixekizumab and tirzepatide together is ongoing. Specific data about side effects from their combined use is not yet available. However, based on known information about each drug individually, researchers hope they remain safe when used together.

Researchers are excited about Ixekizumab combined with Tirzepatide for treating Psoriatic Arthritis because it offers a novel approach by combining two different mechanisms. Ixekizumab, an IL-17A inhibitor, targets specific inflammatory pathways, while Tirzepatide, traditionally used for diabetes, acts as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, potentially improving metabolic profiles and inflammation. This combination could offer enhanced efficacy in reducing joint pain and skin symptoms compared to standard treatments like TNF inhibitors or methotrexate, providing a dual-action strategy that addresses both inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

Research has shown that ixekizumab, one of the treatments in this trial, effectively treats psoriatic arthritis. In one study, 47% of patients experienced significant improvement in joint symptoms after one year. Another study found that ixekizumab helped maintain low disease activity for up to 24 months. This trial will also test a combination of ixekizumab with tirzepatide. Early findings suggest that this combination might reduce arthritis symptoms and aid weight loss in overweight patients, potentially becoming a new standard for treating inflammatory conditions in people with obesity.¹⁶⁷⁸⁹