Lilly’s Weight-Loss Drug Demonstrates Reduction in Sleep Apnea Severity in Late-Stage Trials

Eli Lilly announced promising results from two late-stage clinical trials involving its widely used weight loss medication, Zepbound. The trials revealed that Zepbound exhibited potential in treating the prevalent obstructive sleep apnea among patients with obesity, outperforming a placebo in reducing its severity over a year-long period.

The pharmaceutical giant said it plans to present the preliminary trial data at an upcoming medical conference and submit it to the Food and Drug Administration and regulators in other countries in mid-2024.

The initial results add to the long list of potential health benefits of weight loss and diabetes treatments, which have skyrocketed in demand over the last year despite their high prices and spotty insurance coverage.

The results are an early sign of hope for the estimated 80 million patients in the U.S. who experience OSA, Eli Lilly said in a press release. Around 20 million of those people have moderate-to-severe forms of the disease, but 85% of OSA cases go undiagnosed, according to Eli Lilly.

“Addressing this unmet need head-on is critical, and while there are pharmaceutical treatments for the excessive sleepiness associated with OSA, [Zepbound] has the potential to be the first pharmaceutical treatment for the underlying disease,” Dr. Jeff Emmick, Eli Lilly’s senior vice president of product development, said in the release on Wednesday.

Looking ahead, the positive outcomes of Lilly’s weight-loss drug trials offer hope for individuals suffering from sleep apnea. With further research and development, this medication could become a valuable addition to the treatment options available for sleep-related disorders. Additionally, healthcare professionals may consider integrating Lilly’s drug into comprehensive treatment plans to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being.
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