The US FDA approved Eli Lilly's Zepbound as the first ever medication for obstructive sleep apnea for patients who also have obesity

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug Zepbound to treat sleep apnea, a common but potentially serious sleep-related breathing disorder, marking the first medication for certain patients with the condition.

GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have helped millions of Americans lose weight and better manage their type 2 diabetes. Now, new research suggests Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound (tirzepetide) may also support those with obstructive sleep apnea by increasing airflow and improving sleep quality.

The FDA approved a new drug treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that improves the condition through weight loss. Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel discusses the impact of the new development.

In a groundbreaking move, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the anti-diabetic drug Zepbound, also known as Tirzepatide, for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity.

Zepbound is the first medication approved to treat people with obstructive sleep apnea, said Sailly Seymor, director of FDA's division of pulmonology, allergy, and critical care.