In this article, the Food and Drug Administration has approved Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug Zepbound for treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep-related breathing disorder. This approval expands the drug’s use and may lead to broader insurance coverage in the U.S.
Zepbound, administered weekly via injection, is now the first drug treatment option approved for patients with obesity and moderate-to-severe OSA. OSA involves interrupted breathing during sleep due to narrowed or blocked airways. The FDA emphasized that Zepbound should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Eli Lilly estimates that around 80 million Americans suffer from OSA, with approximately 20 million having moderate-to-severe forms. However, the company notes that 85% of cases remain undiagnosed. Advocates stress the importance of recognizing OSA symptoms and available treatments like Zepbound to improve health outcomes.
Eli Lilly plans to launch Zepbound for OSA early next year. This marks the drug’s first approval beyond obesity treatment. Zepbound, containing the active ingredient tirzepatide, is also being explored for other obesity-related conditions such as fatty liver disease.
The FDA’s decision could facilitate broader insurance coverage for Zepbound, addressing the current lack of coverage for many weight loss drugs, including under the Medicare program. The approval underscores the potential health benefits associated with GLP-1s, a class of weight loss and diabetes treatments.
Zepbound offers a promising treatment option for OSA patients, who may experience loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and serious complications like stroke and heart failure. The drug could provide an alternative to existing treatments involving cumbersome positive airway pressure machines.
Clinical trials have shown Zepbound’s effectiveness in reducing OSA severity and even resolving the condition in a significant percentage of patients. The drug demonstrated better outcomes compared to a placebo, as indicated by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which measures breathing disruptions during sleep.
Disease resolution for OSA, defined as fewer than five AHI events per hour, was achieved by a notable proportion of patients receiving Zepbound. These findings highlight the drug’s potential to address a critical medical need and improve the quality of life for individuals with OSA.
