New Drug for OSA?

Today, I’m talking about a groundbreaking new development in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). For years, the standard treatment for OSA has been CPAP therapy, which helps keep your airway open during sleep. (as an astute sleep warrior, you already know that!) 

But what if there was a medication that could significantly reduce your sleep apnea symptoms—maybe even reduce the need for CPAP? Enter tirzepatide, also known as Zepbound and currently available under the trade name, Mounjaro. This medication works very differently from AD109, a drug I discussed in a prior Sleep Byte that directly affects the muscles in the back of the throat. Mounjaro, on the other hand, is one of the new weight loss drugs, similar to the popular Ozempic. 

Originally designed to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity, Mounjaro has shown remarkable results in a recent study, published in June, 2024, in the New England Journal of Medicine, a very well-respected medical journal. This research involved over 450 participants and demonstrated that Mounjaro could reduce sleep apnea severity by up to two-thirds! The study's findings highlight a significant decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), offering new hope for those with both OSA and obesity.

Now, it's important to remember that not all cases of sleep apnea are related to excess weight. There are many factors that contribute to OSA, and each patient’s situation is unique. However, as a sleep medicine provider, I am excited about the potential of a new therapy that could benefit a significant portion of my patients. The idea of prescribing a medication like Mounjaro to help manage sleep apnea is intriguing, and I wonder if this will be part of my treatment arsenal in the near future.

Imagine fewer sleep interruptions, lower cardiovascular risks, and potentially less reliance on CPAP therapy—all from a weekly injection. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term risks and benefits, Mounjaro offers hope for a new approach to treating OSA, especially for those who have struggled with traditional therapies.

Thanks for being here, I’ll see you next week!