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.
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 , a sleep-related disorder characterized by repeated episodes of irregular breathing due to complete or partial blockage of the upper airway.
Researchers found that tirzepatide led to a significant decrease in the number of breathing interruptions during sleep, a key indicator used to measure the severity of OSA. This improvement was much greater than what was seen in participants who were given a placebo. Importantly, some participants who took the drug reached a point where CPAP therapy might not be necessary.