The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the weight-loss drug Tirzepatide, marketed as Zepbound, for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). This condition occurs when throat muscles fail to keep air passages open during sleep, leading to breathing difficulties.
The drug is intended for use in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity among those suffering from moderate to severe OSA. This move indicates that Tirzepatide’s applications go beyond obesity and type-2 diabetes management, potentially offering relief from fat accumulation around the neck that contributes to the condition.
Understanding OSA
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is marked by relaxed throat muscles that can lead to a choking sensation during sleep, often causing daytime fatigue despite a full night’s sleep. Obesity is a significant risk factor, with over 50 percent of individuals affected by OSA being classified as obese.
Dr JC Suri, a consultant at Sitaram Bhartia, notes that excess body fat compresses the lungs and can obstruct airways during sleep. “More than 50 percent of people with OSA are obese and another 25 percent are overweight,” Dr Suri explains.
The Role of Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide’s weight-reducing properties may alleviate the pressure around the neck, thereby mitigating OSA symptoms. Dr Ambrish Mithal from Max Healthcare highlights that significant weight loss can be achieved while treating obesity-linked conditions like OSA, suggesting that this new indication could justify insurance support for the treatment.
Clinical Trials
The approval for Zepbound was supported by two pivotal studies: one involving participants using positive airway pressure machines and another with those who did not. Participants received either 10 or 15 milligrams of Zepbound or a placebo, with results after 52 weeks showing a notable reduction in the apnoea-hypopnea index among those treated with the drug.
Current OSA Treatments
Current management strategies for OSA include using positive airway pressure machines to keep airways open during sleep. Although medications are prescribed, there has been no drug specifically approved for OSA prior to this.
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