Eli Lilly's Zepbound May Treat Sleep Apnea Linked to Obesity
Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound, containing the active ingredient tirzepatide, has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese patients. This was observed in preliminary data from two late-stage clinical trials where Zepbound outperformed a placebo over a year-long period. These findings could indicate an additional therapeutic application for tirzepatide, which is also known under the brand name Mounjaro for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The drug's cost stands at $1,000 per month, with production costs reportedly below $25. Despite this, there has been a surge in demand, although insurance coverage remains inconsistent. Zepbound has received "fast track designation" from the FDA for use in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA and obesity, expediting the review process.
Eli Lilly plans to submit these results to the FDA and intends to present the data at an upcoming medical conference, with regulatory submissions in other countries anticipated by mid-2024. If approved for this new indication, Zepbound could potentially be the first sanctioned treatment for OSA, and approval could also influence coverage decisions by Medicare and private insurers. The results, though not yet peer-reviewed or published, suggest a significant reduction in the number of apnea events per hour among trial participants, a positive development for those seeking alternative treatments for obesity-related health conditions.
