The US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has approved Zepbound, a weight-loss medication, to treat moderate to severe sleep apnea in obese patients. This is the first FDA-approved treatment for the condition, which affects approximately 30 million adults in the United States.
Zepbound works by reducing appetite and food intake, leading to weight loss, which also improves obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The medication is administered by injection once a week and should be combined with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet.
Clinical trials showed that Zepbound reduced the frequency of sleep apnea episodes, with nearly half of patients no longer experiencing symptoms. This approval marks a significant step forward in treating OSA and its associated health challenges.
Zepbound is part of a new generation of drugs that combat obesity and related conditions by mimicking the function of a hormone that secretes insulin, slows down the emptying of the stomach, and suppresses appetite. Other approved medications include Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/the-fda-just-approved-the-first-us-drug-treatment-for-sleep-apnea