### Preliminary Clinical Trial Results of Tirzepatide for Obstructive Sleep Apnea **Date:** April 17, 2024 Preliminary clinical trial results have shown that the obesity drug tirzepatide is highly effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This information was shared with investors by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. Tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Zepbound for obesity and Mounjaro for diabetes, belongs to the same class of drugs as Ozempic and Wegovy. **What is Sleep Apnea?** Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is interrupted during sleep, leading to serious health issues affecting the heart, kidneys, and metabolic system. Many people with sleep apnea use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to manage the condition. **Study Details:** The results came from two studies involving people with moderate to severe OSA and obesity. Participants took tirzepatide via injection for one year. One study included people using a CPAP device, while the other did not. Both groups saw significant reductions in sleep apnea events and lost about 20% of their body weight. Around 70% of participants were men. **Key Findings:** - Participants experienced 63% fewer instances of reduced oxygen due to breathing changes. - This reduction equated to 30 fewer events per hour. - The severity of sleep apnea is measured by the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI). **Expert Opinion:** A sleep expert from Washington University in St. Louis described the findings as extremely positive, noting that tirzepatide addresses the underlying cause of sleep apnea rather than just the symptoms. This makes it a great alternative for obese individuals who cannot use CPAP or want to enhance its effects. **Adverse Events:** Commonly reported side effects included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. **Next Steps:** Eli Lilly plans to present detailed results at the American Diabetes Association conference in June and submit them to a peer-reviewed journal. The company also intends to seek FDA approval mid-year. **Statistics:** An estimated 39 million people have obstructive sleep apnea, and about 33 million use CPAP machines, according to The National Council on Aging.