The makers of the weight loss drug tirzepatide, which is branded commercially as Zepbound, announced Wednesday the results of a Phase 3 study showing that the drug was effective in treating sleep apnea.
Among those in one drug study, it led to an average apnea-hypopnea index reduction of 27.4 events per hour compared to a reduction of 4.8 events per hour for those on a placebo. In a second study, Zepbound led to an average apnea-hypopnea index reduction of 30.4 events per hour compared to a reduction of six events per hour for those on a placebo. Both studies followed patients for a year.
The company said it plans to submit its findings to the Food and Drug Administration and other global regulatory agencies beginning mid-year. According to the National Council on Aging, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, interfering with breathing. Older people, men and people who are overweight are more likely to have sleep apnea. Eli Lilly says that Zepbound uses hormone receptors to help people who are considered obese or overweight lose weight and keep it off.