What is the Origin of SURPASS Trials?

The name 'SURPASS' is an acronym chosen to reflect the ambitious clinical goal of the drug to surpass the efficacy of existing monotherapy and combination diabetes treatments. The trials belong to the core field of endocrinology and diabetology, representing a major development in the pharmacotherapy of complex metabolic disease. The results of this extensive program have established new benchmarks for simultaneous glycemic and weight reduction.

What is the Mechanism of SURPASS Trials?

The drug, tirzepatide, functions as a dual agonist, simultaneously activating both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which are enteroendocrine hormones that regulate glucose metabolism. This dual action significantly enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying, all contributing to improved blood glucose control and enhanced appetite regulation. The synergistic effect of engaging both incretin pathways is the key mechanism driving the superior metabolic outcomes observed throughout the SURPASS program.

SURPASS Trials

Meaning

The SURPASS Trials constitute a comprehensive, global Phase 3 clinical research program designed to rigorously evaluate the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide, a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. These trials systematically assessed the drug’s performance in adults with type 2 diabetes across various critical clinical endpoints, including long-term glycemic control, substantial weight management, and impact on cardiovascular risk factors. The collective findings from this program are instrumental in defining the therapeutic role of this dual-agonist mechanism in the management of metabolic health.