Mounjaro Could Be First GLP-1 Drug for Sleep Apnea

A recent clinical trial has revealed that a medication typically used to manage type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide, is also effective in treating sleep apnea. This drug, part of the GLP-1 class of medications, is marketed under the names Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss. The trial’s findings indicate that tirzepatide significantly reduces breathing interruptions during sleep, a critical measure of the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The study, led by Dr. Atul Malhotra, director of sleep medicine at UC San Diego Health, represents a major advancement in the treatment of OSA. It offers a promising new therapeutic option that addresses both respiratory and metabolic complications. OSA is marked by repeated episodes of irregular breathing during sleep due to total or partial obstruction of the upper airway, which can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the blood. This condition has been linked to increased risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other cardiovascular issues.

Estimates suggest that more than 900 million people globally suffer from OSA. This study involved 469 clinically obese participants with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea from the United States and eight other countries. Some participants used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, a common method where a machine keeps the airway open during sleep. All participants were administered either 10 or 15 milligrams of tirzepatide or a placebo.

Over a year, patients treated with tirzepatide experienced a significant reduction in breathing interruptions during sleep, a greater improvement than the placebo group. Researchers concluded that some patients might eventually be able to discontinue CPAP therapy. The results were published on June 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study underscores the benefits of targeting both sleep apnea and obesity simultaneously rather than addressing each condition separately. Additionally, tirzepatide helped improve other factors related to OSA, such as weight reduction. Some patients did report mild gastrointestinal issues, but overall, the drug therapy showed a substantial positive effect.

For many individuals who find wearing a CPAP mask uncomfortable and cumbersome, these findings could be particularly encouraging. The potential to manage OSA with medication offers a less invasive treatment option, which could significantly impact the quality of life for those affected.

Dr. Malhotra emphasized the potential global impact of this breakthrough, noting that it could transform the way OSA is managed in people with obesity. By providing a new approach to treating this widespread condition, the study opens the door to enhanced therapeutic strategies that address the root causes of OSA effectively.

This discovery marks a new chapter in the treatment of OSA, promising to improve the lives of millions who struggle with both sleep apnea and obesity.