Tirzepatide randomized trial to evaluate recovery in thrombectomy-treated acute ischemic stroke patients

Acute ischemic stroke from large artery occlusion is a leading cause of death and disability. While endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) restores blood flow, many patients still suffer disability due to post-stroke brain injury from inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell damage. Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 and GIP pathway agonist, is approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity with cardiovascular benefits. Preclinical and early clinical data suggest GLP-1 and GIP agonism may offer neuroprotection by reducing inflammation and supporting brain cell recovery.

This randomized, multi-center trial will enroll acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Patients will be randomized to receive either tirzepatide plus standard stroke care or standard care alone. The intervention arm will receive tirzepatide via two subcutaneous injections: the first dose pre-EVT, and the second dose 7 days post-EVT. Outcomes will be independently assessed. The primary endpoint is to evaluate whether early tirzepatide treatment improves recovery.

This abstract outlines the design and objectives of a randomized controlled trial, rather than presenting its completed results. Consequently, no specific numerical findings, statistical data, or efficacy outcomes are available from this publication. The trial is structured to rigorously assess whether early administration of tirzepatide can enhance recovery in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke who undergo endovascular thrombectomy. > The primary goal is to determine if GLP-1 and GIP agonism provides neuroprotective benefits in this critical patient population. The actual outcomes of this study are yet to be reported, and therefore, no conclusions regarding the therapeutic impact of tirzepatide can be drawn at this stage.