Indianapolis, IN – Eli Lilly and Company announced that their weight loss drug Zepbound may have additional benefits for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. The drugmaker revealed that preliminary trials showed promising results, leading to plans to submit the findings to the US Food and Drug Administration for potential approval to use Zepbound in treating sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes breathing interruptions during sleep, affecting millions of people globally. It can lead to various health complications, including heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. The condition is often linked to weight gain, as excess fat around the airway can obstruct normal breathing.
The US FDA previously approved Zepbound for the treatment of obesity, highlighting its active ingredient, tirzepatide. Doctors have been prescribing the drug off-label for sleep apnea, prompting Lilly to conduct trials on its efficacy since June 2022. Results from these studies demonstrated significant improvements in sleep apnea symptoms among adult patients who received the drug compared to those who did not.
One study focused on individuals who were unable to use positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, a common treatment for sleep apnea. The findings showed a reduction in breathing events during sleep for those on the drug. Another study examined patients using or planning to use PAP therapy, revealing similar positive outcomes with further reductions in breathing disturbances.
In addition to improving sleep apnea symptoms, the drug also led to weight loss in participants, showcasing substantial reductions in body weight compared to those on a placebo. The trials indicated a significant decrease in breathing events per hour for individuals with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea who took the medication without PAP therapy.
Furthermore, researchers observed a reduction in ectopic fat deposits around the airway, suggesting a potential mechanism for Zepbound’s effectiveness in treating sleep apnea. These findings offer new hope for individuals struggling with sleep apnea, highlighting the potential for addressing underlying causes rather than solely managing symptoms.
While the results have not yet undergone peer review or publication in a medical journal, Eli Lilly plans to present detailed findings at an upcoming meeting of the American Diabetes Association in June. The company’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions for improving sleep apnea treatment underscores the importance of ongoing research and development in addressing this prevalent health issue.