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A recent clinical trial found that adding the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drug tirzepatide to the biologic ixekizumab helped 30 percent of adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who had overweight or obesity better control their symptoms while also losing weight.
For people living with PsA, higher weight can worsen symptoms and overall health. The study authors noted that 72 percent to 82 percent of people with PsA have overweight or obesity. This is one reason the researchers tested whether treating inflammation and weight at the same time could help.
A biologic is a type of medicine made from living cells that targets specific parts of the immune system involved in inflammation.
Ixekizumab (Taltz) is a biologic approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis, among other inflammatory conditions.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite. Some of these medicines are approved for type 2 diabetes, and some are approved for weight management.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is a little different — it’s a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 receptor agonist. That means it activates two hormone pathways. It helps the body release insulin when needed and also acts on the brain and gut to reduce hunger and food intake.
Tirzepatide is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in certain adults with obesity or overweight. It’s also approved to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
The phase 3b trial enrolled 271 adults with active psoriatic arthritis who had overweight or obesity. These conditions are defined using body mass index (BMI), a measure that compares weight to height.
At 36 weeks, 31.7 percent of participants taking both medications met the study’s two main goals — at least a 50 percent improvement in PsA signs and symptoms (ACR50) and at least 10 percent weight loss. Among those taking ixekizumab alone, less than 0.8 percent reached both goals.
In addition, 33.5 percent of participants reached ACR50 with the combination, compared with 20.4 percent of those taking ixekizumab alone. In the combination group, 84.5 percent of people lost at least 10 percent of their body weight versus 4.5 percent in the ixekizumab-only group.
Researchers reported no new safety concerns. Side effects looked consistent with what’s already known for each medication.
Learn more about past research on GLP-1s as a treatment for PsA.
The study findings suggest that for some people with psoriatic arthritis and higher body weight, treating inflammation and weight at the same time may improve joint symptoms and daily functioning.
GLP-1 medicines like tirzepatide are not currently FDA-approved to treat psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. These drugs are approved for conditions such as chronic weight management (and certain other uses), and researchers are studying how they may help with other health conditions.
If you’re living with PsA and your treatment plan isn’t meeting your goals, talk with your healthcare provider about your options.
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