FDA Approves Eli Lilly's Zepbound as First and Only Treatment for Sleep Apnea, Reducing Breathing Interruptions by 25

Dec 20, 2024, 09:55 PM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Eli Lilly's Zepbound (tirzepatide) as the first and only prescription medication for the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. This approval, announced on December 20, 2024, allows Zepbound to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Clinical data indicates that adults using Zepbound experienced at least 25 fewer breathing interruptions per hour, with up to 50% of patients reporting no symptoms after one year of treatment. The approval may also facilitate broader insurance coverage for the medication, which is primarily recognized for its weight-loss benefits.