A new study demonstrates tirzepatide, a drug originally used for diabetes, significantly reduces obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in obese individuals. The research, involving 469 participants, shows reduced breathing interruptions and potential decreases in CPAP dependency, alongside cardiovascular and weight benefits. Novel drug treatment developed for diabetes shows promising results of enhanced sleep and overall health for patients diagnosed with obesity and living with obstructive sleep apnea.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and international collaborators have led a worldwide, advanced study demonstrating the potential of tirzepatide, known to manage type 2 diabetes, as the first effective drug therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep-related disorder characterized by repeated episodes of irregular breathing due to complete or partial blockage of the upper airway. The results, published in the June 21, 2024 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine , highlight the treatment’s potential to improve the quality of life for millions around the world affected by OSA. Potential Impact on Sleep Apnea Treatment “This study marks a significant milestone in the treatment of OSA, offering a promising new therapeutic option that addresses both respiratory and metabolic complications,” said Atul Malhotra, MD, lead author of the study, professor of medicine at University of California San Diego School of Medicine an.
