The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zepbound (Tirzepatide), a weight loss medication as the first prescription treatment specifically for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. Announced on December 22, 2024, this approval targets individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea, a condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, leading to breathing interruptions.
Tirzepatide, which is a GLP-1 agonist, is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. While OSA can affect anyone, it is especially common in people who are overweight.
The FDA’s decision was based on clinical studies showing that Tirzepatide helps reduce sleep apnea symptoms by promoting weight loss. In two separate trials lasting 52 weeks, adults with obesity and moderate to severe OSA who took Tirzepatide experienced a significant reduction in breathing disruptions compared to those who received a placebo. This effect was observed in both users of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines and those who did not use them.
Dr. Sally Seymour, director of the FDA’s Division of Pulmonology, Allergy, and Critical Care, called this approval a “major step forward” for sleep apnea patients, highlighting its potential to improve their quality of life.
While the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) supports the approval, they caution that Tirzepatide may not be suitable for everyone with OSA. Excess weight is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea, but the AASM notes that other factors, like jaw structure and airway anatomy, can also contribute to the condition. They also emphasized the importance of sustained weight loss for the drug to remain effective.
The approval of Tirzepatide adds to the growing conversation around weight loss medications, which are being explored for uses beyond obesity and diabetes management, including potential treatments for addiction and cancer.
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