Eli Lilly's drug tirzepatide significantly reduced the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese adults, according to results from two phase 3 clinical trials.
The drugmaker shared that the trials demonstrated a reduction of up to 63% in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which measures sleep disruptions due to restricted or blocked airflow.
The SURMOUNT-OSA studies assessed the efficacy of tirzepatide in adults with moderate-to-severe OSA, both with and without positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Over a 52-week period, participants receiving tirzepatide experienced a substantial decrease in AHI and notable weight loss compared to those given a placebo.
Specifically, study 1 (without PAP therapy) showed a 55% reduction in AHI and an 18.1% reduction in body weight, while study 2 (with PAP therapy) reported a 62.8% reduction in AHI and a 20.1% reduction in body weight.
Given these promising results, Eli Lilly plans to pursue regulatory approvals for tirzepatide as a potential treatment for OSA.
