Tirzepatide Improves Sleep Apnea and Heart Health

Recent findings from the SURMOUNT-OSA study have unveiled significant potential benefits of tirzepatide in treating both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity. These results were highlighted at a Late-Breaking Symposium during the 84th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Orlando, Florida, and published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

OSA is a widespread condition affecting up to 1 billion people globally, with over 30 million adults in the United States alone. It is predominantly seen in individuals with obesity, the primary risk factor for OSA. Roughly 40% of people with obesity also suffer from OSA, and about 70% of OSA patients are obese. OSA is characterized by repeated airway obstruction during sleep, leading to numerous health issues such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and cognitive impairment.

Traditional OSA treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, do not address underlying obesity, creating a demand for therapies that can effectively target both conditions. The SURMOUNT-OSA study focused on evaluating tirzepatide, a new therapy designed to treat both OSA and obesity.

The study included two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with a total of 469 participants suffering from moderate-to-severe OSA and obesity. Study 1 involved patients who were either unable or unwilling to use PAP therapy, while Study 2 included patients who were already on PAP therapy at the start. Participants were administered either tirzepatide or a placebo over a 52-week period. The primary goal was to observe changes in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which measures the severity of sleep apnea. Secondary goals included assessing changes in sleep apnea-specific hypoxic burden (SASHB), cardiovascular risk factors (such as body weight, systolic blood pressure, and inflammation), and patient-reported sleep disturbances.

The study's findings indicated that participants who received tirzepatide showed a notable reduction in AHI compared to those who received a placebo, suggesting an improvement in sleep-disordered breathing. In Study 1, the AHI change at 52 weeks was -27.4 and -30.4 events per hour for the tirzepatide group, compared to -4.8 and -6.0 events per hour for the placebo group in Study 1 and Study 2, respectively. Significant reductions in cardiovascular risk factors were also observed, with body weight reductions of 18% in Study 1 and 20% in Study 2, and improvements in systolic blood pressure (-9.6 mmHg in Study 1 and -7.6 mmHg in Study 2).

Dr. Atul Malhotra, the study's principal investigator, and lead author, emphasized the potential of tirzepatide in providing a comprehensive treatment solution for both obesity and sleep apnea. "The results demonstrate tirzepatide's ability to address both conditions effectively, potentially revolutionizing how we manage these interconnected health issues. Its use alongside or independently of CPAP could significantly improve patient outcomes."

Moving forward, the researchers highlighted the importance of further investigations to explore the long-term cardiovascular benefits of tirzepatide and its broader implications in managing obesity-related health conditions.

The ADA's 84th Scientific Sessions, where these findings were presented, is the world's largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care, attracting over 11,000 professionals from around the globe. This annual event showcases cutting-edge research and fosters discussions on advancing diabetes treatment and finding a cure.

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