A medication commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes has shown promise in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a global clinical trial. The study found that tirzepatide significantly reduces breathing interruptions during sleep, a critical measure of OSA severity.

Tirzepatide, part of the GLP-1 class of medications, is marketed under the names Mounjaro for diabetes treatment and Zepbound for weight loss. The trial's results mark a significant breakthrough in OSA treatment, offering a dual approach to managing both respiratory and metabolic issues, said Dr. Atul Malhotra, the study leader and director of sleep medicine at UC San Diego Health.

OSA, affecting over 900 million people worldwide, involves repeated episodes of disrupted breathing during sleep due to upper airway blockage. This condition can lower blood oxygen levels and increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other cardiovascular issues.

The study included 469 clinically obese participants with moderate-to-severe OSA, recruited from the United States and eight other countries. Some participants were using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which keep the airway open during sleep. Participants received either 10 or 15 milligrams of tirzepatide or a placebo over one year.

Results showed that those treated with tirzepatide experienced a significant reduction in sleep-related breathing interruptions, outperforming the placebo group. This improvement could potentially eliminate the need for CPAP therapy for some patients. The findings were published on June 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers noted that tirzepatide not only improved sleep apnea but also helped with weight loss, further addressing obesity—a common OSA risk factor. Some patients reported mild stomach issues, but overall, the drug was well-tolerated.

For patients uncomfortable with CPAP masks, this new treatment could be particularly appealing. Dr. Malhotra emphasized the potential global impact of these findings, suggesting a transformative approach to OSA management for individuals with obesity.

"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," Malhotra said in a UC San Diego Health news release.