FDA Approves Zepbound for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Obese Adults
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved Zepbound (tripeptide) for treating severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese adults. The medication should be combined with physical activities and a low-calorie diet.
This drug approval is highly significant as it represents the first drug treatment option for certain patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by irregular breathing. The airway blocks the flow of air, causing sleep apnea. These disruptions last more than 10 seconds and occur at least five times every hour during your sleep phase. Sleep apnea can range from mild to severe, based on a rating system called the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
OSA can affect all types of people, however, it is more common in people with obesity.
How does Zepbound work?
Zepbound acts by stimulating intestine-secreted hormone receptors (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)) to suppress hunger and reduce food consumption. Zepbound has been shown in research to improve OSA by lowering body weight.
The Clinical Trials
The approval is supported by two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials conducted over 52 weeks, involving 469 adults without type 2 diabetes to evaluate the drug’s efficacy.
- Improved Sleep and Symptoms: Zepbound significantly reduced the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), with up to 50% of patients achieving remission or mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms after one year.
- Weight Loss Benefits: Participants experienced notable weight loss, averaging 18-20% of their body weight, which likely contributed to the improvement in OSA symptoms.
Side effects associated with Zepbound
Zepbound has been associated with side effects such as
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease etc.
Cautions: Per the FDA guidelines, the drug must not be used by patients with a history of allergic reactions to trizepatide.
Warnings
Zepbound carries warnings for potential side effects, including
- Pancreatitis (pancreatic inflammation)
- Gallbladder issues
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Acute kidney injury
- Diabetic retinopathy (retinal damage) in individuals with type 2 diabetes
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- Pulmonary aspiration during deep sedation or general anesthesia
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
