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 and director of sleep medicine at UC San Diego Health.
OSA can result in reduced oxygen levels in the blood and can also be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension and heart disease. Recent studies, also led by Malhotra, suggest that the number of OSA patients worldwide is close to 936 million.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder where an individual’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This condition occurs when the muscles in the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. Common symptoms include loud snoring, restless sleep, and fatigue during the day. OSA can significantly impact quality of life and is associated with various health risks, including
Atul Malhotra, MD, an internationally recognized sleep medicine specialist with UC San Diego Health, led a study testing the efficacy of a diabetes drug in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Credit: Kyle Dykes, UC San Diego Health
A New Era in Sleep Apnea Management
“Historically, treating OSA meant using devices during sleep, like a CPAP machine, to alleviate breathing difficulties and symptoms,” Malhotra said. “However, its effectiveness relies on consistent use. This new drug treatment offers a more accessible alternative for individuals who cannot tolerate or adhere to existing therapies. We believe that the combination of CPAP therapy with weight loss will be optimal for improving cardiometabolic risk and symptoms. Tirzepatide can also target specific underlying mechanisms of sleep apnea, potentially leading to more personalized and effective treatment.”
Malhotra adds that having a drug therapy for OSA represents a significant advancement in the field.
“It means we can offer an innovative solution, signifying hope and a new standard of care to provide relief to countless individuals and their families who have struggled with the limitations of existing treatments,” said Malhotra. “This breakthrough opens the door to a new era of OSA management for people diagnosed with obesity, potentially transforming how we approach and treat this pervasive condition on a global scale.”
Next steps include conducting clinical trials to examine longer term effects of tirzepatide.
Reference: “Tirzepatide for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity” by Atul Malhotra, Ronald R. Grunstein, Ingo Fietze, Terri E. Weaver, Susan Redline, Ali Azarbarzin, Scott A. Sands, Richard J. Schwab, Julia P. Dunn, Sujatro Chakladar, Mathijs C. Bunck and Josef Bednarik, 20 June 2024, New England Journal of Medicine.
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2404881
Co-authors of the study include: Ronald Grunstein,
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