Title: Zeprasem and Mounjaro: Relieving Sleep Apnea Symptoms in Clinical Trials
Obstructive sleep apnea, a common type of sleep-related breathing disorder, affects around 70% of people with the condition also being overweight or obese. Researchers are exploring the use of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in type 2 diabetes medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound, to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Recent phase 3 clinical trial results, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, suggest that tirzepatide can effectively manage obstructive sleep apnea. The trial found that tirzepatide significantly reduced symptom severity by almost two-thirds in adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, with participants on tirzepatide experiencing up to 62.8% reduction in obstructive sleep apnea events per hour of sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a comorbidity of obesity, often caused by thick tongue, thick neck, or excess fatty tissue in the upper airway that obstructs breathing while sleeping. This condition negatively impacts a person's ability to have a good night's sleep, impairs their cognition, and increases their risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health issues.
Previous studies show that losing weight can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms. Ali, a bariatric surgeon, noted that any form of weight loss improves obstructive sleep apnea, making it a promising treatment option.
Researchers emphasize the importance of finding effective treatments for reducing obstructive sleep apnea severity in people with obesity. With obesity affecting an estimated 40 million people worldwide, a nonsurgical solution like tirzepatide could provide a much-needed alternative to upper airway surgery.
While the results are encouraging, some experts suggest further research to better understand tirzepatide's efficacy and explore alternatives for men and racial/ethnic groups, as well as to establish clear guidelines for insurance coverage.
In conclusion, the phase 3 clinical trial results indicate that tirzepatide is a promising treatment for reducing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. Further research is needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness and clear guidelines for insurance coverage.
The thick neck and excess fatty tissue in the upper airway, often associated with obesity, can lead to obstructive sleep apnea and excessive snoring. Participants with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea in the trial saw up to a 62.8% reduction in obstructive sleep apnea events per hour of sleep when taking tirzepatide.
