Biotech
Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 2:11 pm EDT
Key Points
- Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug Zepbound has demonstrated potential in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in two late-stage clinical trials, adding to its list of potential health benefits alongside diabetes treatments, despite limited insurance coverage and high prices.
- Preliminary data from the trials showed that Zepbound was more effective than a placebo in reducing the severity of OSA in obese patients after a year of treatment. The drug’s success in addressing this unmet medical need highlights its potential significance as a pharmaceutical treatment for the underlying disease.
- The results of the trials surpassed expectations, with Zepbound leading to significant reductions in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) across both studies. Additionally, Zepbound helped patients achieve substantial weight loss, offering further support for its efficacy profile.
Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug Zepbound has shown promise in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep-related breathing disorder, according to preliminary data from two late-stage clinical trials. The pharmaceutical giant plans to present the results at an upcoming medical conference and seek regulatory approval. Zepbound was found to be more effective than a placebo in reducing the severity of OSA in obese patients after a year of treatment. This development offers hope for the estimated 80 million Americans suffering from OSA, with potential implications for addressing associated health complications. Notably, Zepbound’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, is also approved for diabetes treatment under the brand name Mounjaro. The trials demonstrated significant reductions in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), exceeding Wall Street’s expectations and indicating substantial efficacy. Moreover, Zepbound led to notable weight loss in patients, further enhancing its potential as a therapeutic option. This groundbreaking development not only expands Eli Lilly’s treatment portfolio but also underscores the growing intersection between weight management, diabetes treatment, and sleep disorder management.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/17/eli-lillys-zepbound-shows-promise-as-sleep-apnea-treatment-in-trial.html
