In a significant breakthrough for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) management, the US FDA has approved Tirzepatide, an anti-diabetic drug also used for weight loss, to treat moderate to severe OSA in adults with obesity. Sold under the brand name Zepbound, the injectable drug could be a game-changer in managing the condition, which is characterized by disordered breathing during sleep.
Currently, treatments for moderate to severe OSA rely on assistive breathing devices such as CPAP and Bi-PAP. Zepbound’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, has announced plans to launch the drug under the brand name Mounjaro in India by 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Pricing is yet to be determined but will consider the drug’s efficacy and its potential to reduce the health and economic burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes, the company said.
An estimated 104 million Indians have OSA, with 47 million cases classified as moderate or severe, according to Sleep Medicine Reviews. A senior doctor noted that weight reduction is a key treatment for OSA, and Tirzepatide’s ability to aid weight loss could significantly improve breathing during sleep. However, experts emphasize the need for long-term data on its safety, side effects, and broader applicability.
As reported by thehindubusinessline, FDA approval was based on two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving 469 adults without type 2 diabetes, demonstrating the drug’s effectiveness in managing the condition.