It was used to manage type 2 diabetes.
A new study has revealed that tirzepatide, a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, also shows promise in managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Conducted on a global scale, the clinical trial demonstrated that tirzepatide significantly reduces the frequency of breathing interruptions during sleep, a critical indicator of OSA severity.
Tirzepatide belongs to the GLP-1 class of drugs and is marketed as Mounjaro for diabetes management and as Zepbound for weight loss. Dr. Atul Malhotra, the study’s lead researcher and director of sleep medicine at UC San Diego Health, highlighted the study as a significant advancement in OSA treatment. He noted that the medication offers a dual benefit by addressing both respiratory and metabolic complications associated with the condition.
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by recurrent episodes of disrupted breathing during sleep, often due to partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. It can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood and is associated with increased risks of conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.
The study involved 469 participants from nine countries, all of whom were clinically obese and suffered from moderate-to-severe sleep apnea. Some participants used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, a common treatment method that involves a machine maintaining an open airway during sleep. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either tirzepatide (at doses of 10 or 15 milligrams) or a placebo.
Over the course of one year, those treated with tirzepatide experienced significant reductions in sleep interruptions compared to those in the placebo group. Researchers noted that some participants may no longer require CPAP therapy due to the improvements seen with tirzepatide.
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine on June 21, the findings underscore the potential benefits of a medication that targets both OSA and obesity, showing superior outcomes compared to treating either condition alone. While some participants reported minor gastrointestinal issues, the therapy also contributed to weight reduction and improved overall health outcomes related to OSA.
For individuals who find CPAP treatment cumbersome, these findings represent a promising development in managing OSA. Dr. Malhotra emphasized that the study’s results could usher in a new era of OSA management, particularly for patients diagnosed with obesity, offering a potentially transformative approach to addressing this widespread condition globally.
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