Zepbound is the first medication prescribed to treat this common condition.
The FDA approved Zepbound, a new weight loss medication by Eli Lilly, to treat obstructive sleep apnea, marking the first prescription drug for this common sleep disorder.
According to Eli Lilly, Zepbound is now authorized for individuals with obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, conditions affecting millions of Americans. The company advises using the drug alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Obstructive sleep apnea causes breathing difficulties during sleep, often leading to waking episodes gasping for air. Left untreated, it raises risks for cardiovascular issues, diabetes, stroke, and dementia.
Recent studies funded by Eli Lilly demonstrated that Zepbound users experienced significant improvements in sleep apnea symptoms, such as fewer sleep interruptions, compared to those on a placebo.
Dr. Vivian Asare, associate medical director at Yale Centers for Sleep Medicine, welcomed the approval as “another option” for patients with limited treatment choices. Many currently rely on CPAP machines, which keep airways open during sleep but can be uncomfortable to wear all night.
Doctors often advise weight loss for patients with both obesity and sleep apnea to alleviate symptoms. Zepbound, containing tripeptide, the same compound found in the diabetes drug Mounjaro, has shown strong efficacy in helping people lose weight.
Even before FDA approval, some doctors prescribed weight loss medications to sleep apnea patients. The FDA’s decision could increase pressure on insurance companies to cover obesity treatments, potentially increasing demand for medications like tripeptide, which recently faced shortages.
The key issue now is whether Medicare will include Zepbound in its coverage for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Asare noted that age increases the risk of developing this condition, especially in those over 65.
Currently, Medicare does not cover medications solely intended for weight loss, although there is a proposal under the Biden administration to revise this policy. However, Medicare might consider covering obesity medications that also address secondary conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
Researchers are exploring the potential of weight loss drugs to treat a range of health conditions, including kidney and liver disease, as well as substance use disorder. Last March, the FDA approved Wegovy, a weight loss medication by Novo Nordisk, specifically to reduce cardiovascular risks in people with obesity.