The first treatment for obstructive sleep apnea has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
On December 20, the FDA announced that it has approved Eli Lilly's Zepbound (tirzepatide) for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese adults.
The FDA noted that the drug should be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Sally Seymour, M.D., director of the division of pulmonology, allergy, and critical care at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research in Washington, D.C., praised the approval in a statement.
“Today's approval provides the first drug treatment option for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea,” Seymour wrote.
“This is a huge step forward for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.”
According to the FDA, OSA occurs when the upper airway becomes obstructed, causing a person to stop breathing during sleep.
This condition is common in people who are overweight or obese.
Similar to semaglutide treatments such as Ozempic and Wegovy, Zepbound activates receptors for hormones secreted by the intestines (GLP-1 and GIP), reducing appetite and food intake.
According to research, Zepbound “also improves OSA” by reducing weight, the FDA says.
In a 52-week study, participants treated with Zepbound experienced a “statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in apneas or hypopneas,” with the majority of participants in remission or “no symptoms.” Achieved “resolution”.
The FDA said patients treated with Zepbound also reported significant weight loss.
This medication can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach discomfort or pain, injection site reactions, fatigue, allergic reactions (usually fever or rash), belching, hair loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is reported that there is a sex.
Zepbound causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats, but it is unknown whether it causes these tumors in humans, so it should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine tumor syndrome 2 It should not be used in patients with F.D.A.
The agency recommends all OSA patients consult their doctor before taking Zepbound and monitor for complications.
Dr. Wendy Troxell, a senior behavioral specialist at the Rand Corporation, a licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, and a sleep expert, said the FDA's approval is “promising for the millions of people who suffer from this condition.” “This is a significant step forward.”
About 30 million people in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, Troxell told FOX News Digital.
Positive airway pressure therapy (PAP), the most common treatment for sleep apnea, is “very effective” in treating the condition, but up to 50% of patients are “non-adherent,” he said. said.
“Zepbound has been shown to promote weight loss and reduce apnea,” Troxell said.
“For obese people with moderate to severe sleep apnea, this new treatment option represents an important alternative treatment, especially for those who struggle with sleep apnea therapies such as positive airway pressure therapy. Or it could be an adjunctive treatment.”
Dr. Troxell said that treating sleep apnea is “not only important for the patient's health and well-being, but also for the bed partner. They may notice that loud snoring or gasping for air is a major “They are often the 'hidden victims' of untreated sleep apnea,” he added. I have symptoms,” she said.
Dr. William Lu, medical director of Dream Health in San Francisco, told Fox News Digital that obesity and sleep apnea are “two of the most common health conditions affecting Americans today.” he said.
“And they are closely related,” he said.
“For patients who are eligible and have no contraindications, tirzepatide has the opportunity to become the next generation drug to help people lose weight, reduce the severity of sleep apnea, and improve their overall health. .”
“We need to continue to emphasize changing the diet and health habits of many people, but this is a great start.”
Lu said getting tested for sleep apnea is “critically important to your health” and can even be a requirement for getting coverage for your medications.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Eli Lilly for comment.
