A recent international study has discovered a new medication that enhances sleep quality and overall health in individuals diagnosed with obesity and sleep apnea.
The findings, released in the online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine on June 21, 2024, shed light on the potential of tirzepatide, initially utilized for managing type 2 diabetes, as the first successful pharmacological treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Lead author of the study, Atul Malhotra, MD, a professor of medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, and director of sleep medicine at UC San Diego Health, remarked, “This study is a significant advancement in the treatment of OSA as it provides a promising new therapeutic approach addressing both respiratory and metabolic issues.”
OSA can lead to reduced blood oxygen levels and an elevated risk of cardiovascular problems like hypertension and heart disease. Recent studies suggest that nearly 936 million people worldwide could be affected by OSA.
The study, carried out in two Phase III trials, involved 469 participants with clinical obesity and moderate-to-severe OSA from various countries. These participants underwent treatment with tirzepatide or a placebo and were evaluated for 52 weeks.
The results demonstrated that tirzepatide significantly reduced the number of breathing interruptions during sleep, a crucial marker of OSA severity. Notably, some participants no longer required CPAP therapy after taking the medication.
Moreover, tirzepatide improved cardiovascular risk factors and body weight in OSA patients. The most common side effect reported was minor stomach discomfort.
Malhotra explained, “Historically, treating OSA involved using devices like CPAP machines during sleep. However, consistent use was essential for their effectiveness. This new drug treatment provides a more accessible option for those unable to tolerate existing therapies.”
He added, “Having a drug therapy for OSA signifies a major breakthrough, bringing hope and a new standard of care for countless individuals who have struggled with current treatments.”
Future research will focus on investigating the long-term effects of tirzepatide. The study was funded in part by Eli Lilly and Company.
