Not yet recruitingPhase IIInterventional

Weight reduction in asthma programme with tirzepatide

Asthma and carrying extra weight often go hand in hand. Extra weight can make breathing harder, while asthma symptoms and steroid treatments can make weight loss difficult. This cycle can leave people feeling stuck with chest tightness and frequent asthma flare-ups. This UK study, led by the University of East Anglia, is investigating whether a weight-loss medicine called tirzepatide can help break this cycle. Tirzepatide is already known to help with weight reduction, but scientists believe it might also reduce lung inflammation. Over 52 weeks, adult participants with poorly controlled asthma and a high body mass index will give themselves a weekly injection. Half will receive tirzepatide and half will receive a dummy injection (placebo). Researchers will monitor changes in lung function, weight, and blood markers to see if this treatment can genuinely help people breathe more easily.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Phase II

Sponsor

University of East Anglia

Enrolment target

138

Start

09 Nov 2026

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2027

Asthma with obesity

What is this study about?

Living with asthma can make everyday activities challenging, and carrying extra body weight often makes those breathing troubles worse. In the UK, many adults experience both conditions together. When breathing is difficult, exercising becomes tough, and some standard asthma medications can also lead to weight gain. At the same time, carrying extra weight can squeeze the lungs and trigger swelling in the airways. This creates an exhausting cycle where each condition makes the other worse.

Researchers are now exploring new ways to help people break out of this cycle. This clinical trial is testing a medicine called tirzepatide. While tirzepatide is already used to help manage weight and blood sugar, early evidence suggests it might also soothe airway inflammation. The study team wants to discover whether this medication can directly improve asthma symptoms, reduce severe attacks, and boost everyday quality of life.

During the trial, doctors will carry out detailed breathing tests, track changes in body fat, and test blood samples for signs of inflammation. By comparing people taking tirzepatide with those taking a harmless dummy treatment, the research team hopes to learn whether the medicine improves asthma simply through weight loss, through calming immune swelling, or a combination of both. The findings could pave the way for much better, joined-up care for asthma in the future.

Key takeaways

The trial tests whether the weekly injection tirzepatide can improve asthma symptoms alongside weight loss.
It is open to adults with poorly controlled asthma and a higher body mass index (BMI).
Half of the participants receive tirzepatide and half receive a dummy injection for one year.
Taking part involves hospital breathing tests, blood checks, and simple home monitoring.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any point without losing your usual NHS care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is designed for adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with asthma and are also living with overweight or obesity. To take part, your asthma must currently be poorly controlled despite using regular daily maintenance and reliever inhalers. You must also have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher if you are of Asian family background, and your breathing treatment should have been stable for at least six weeks.

You cannot join the study if you have other significant heart or lung conditions that cause breathlessness, or if you have recently had a chest infection needing antibiotics. People with type 1 diabetes, certain severe eye problems linked to diabetes, or those already taking similar weight-loss injections (such as GLP-1 medicines) are also unable to take part.

Additionally, the study is not suitable for current smokers, people with a long history of heavy smoking, or those who drink more than 21 units of alcohol per week. Anyone who has had weight-loss surgery or takes medications known to cause significant weight gain will also not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am an adult aged 18 or over.
I have an asthma diagnosis and still have frequent symptoms despite using my regular inhalers.
My BMI is 30 or higher (or 27 or higher if I am of Asian heritage).
My asthma treatment has remained stable with no recent antibiotics in the past six weeks.
I do not smoke and do not have type 1 diabetes or a history of weight-loss surgery.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, you will be in the study for about 52 weeks (one year). Half of the participants will receive the study medicine, tirzepatide, while the other half will receive a dummy injection called a placebo. A computer will choose your group at random, and neither you nor the research team will know which one you are receiving. You will be carefully taught how to inject the medicine just under your skin once a week at home. The dose will start low to help your body adjust and may slowly increase over time.

You will attend around three main hospital visits at the start, at week 20, and at week 52. During these visits, the team will check your height, weight, waist size, and blood pressure. You will also have blood tests and complete gentle breathing checks, such as blowing into a tube to measure your lung power and inflammation. Some routine safety blood tests can be done at your local GP surgery at weeks 8 and 36, and you will be able to track your weight and complete simple health questionnaires from home.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may or may not improve your personal asthma symptoms or weight, but the findings could help improve treatments for other people in the future. Tirzepatide can cause mild to moderate side effects, especially stomach upsets like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, though doses are adjusted gradually to minimise this. Injections might cause brief soreness or redness on the skin, and breathing tests may occasionally cause short-lived chest tightness that quickly settles with a reliever inhaler. Your health and safety will be monitored very closely throughout the trial, and you are entirely free to leave the study at any time without it affecting your standard NHS care.

Locations (8)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Norwich, England
Birmingham Heartlands Hospital
Unverified
Birmingham, England
Glenfield Hospital
Unverified
Leicester, England
Lister Hospital
Unverified
Stevenage, England
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Sheffield, England
Queens Medical Centre
Unverified
Nottingham, England
Southampton
Unverified
Southampton, England
John Radcliffe Hospital
Unverified
Oxford, England

Common questions

Will I definitely receive the weight-loss medicine?

No. This is a randomised study, meaning a computer randomly assigns you to receive either tirzepatide or an identical dummy injection (placebo). You have a 50% chance of receiving the active drug.

Do I have to pay to take part in this trial?

No, taking part in UK clinical trials through the NHS or universities is free, and the study medication and tests are provided at no cost.

How do I take the medication?

You will inject the medication once a week under the skin, usually in your tummy or thigh. The study team will provide full, step-by-step training so you feel confident doing this at home.

Can I keep taking my usual asthma inhalers?

Yes. Your safety is top priority, and you will need to continue your regular asthma preventer and reliever medications as prescribed by your doctor.

What happens if I experience unpleasant side effects?

You can contact the study team at any time. If you feel unwell, the doctors can pause the medicine, lower your dose, or stop the injections altogether.

How to find out more

Colin McAlister

colin.mcalister@uea.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.