From the FDA Drug Label
A reduction in AHI was observed with ZEPBOUND irrespective of age, sex, ethnicity, baseline BMI, or baseline OSA severity. In both Studies 5 and 6, patients treated with ZEPBOUND achieved a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels compared to placebo ZEPBOUND is an injectable prescription medicine that may help adults with: ... moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity to improve their OSA. to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity.
Zepbound helps with sleep apnea by reducing the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) in adults with obesity, as shown in Studies 5 and 6 1. It is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity 1 1.
From the Research
Zepbound and Sleep Apnea
There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that mentions Zepbound as a treatment for sleep apnea.
Available Treatments for Sleep Apnea
- Various drugs have been studied for their effects on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), including those that worsen, do not affect, or improve OSA 2.
- Some studies have investigated the use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) for the treatment of OSA, with results showing a significant decrease in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 3.
- Tirzepatide, a GLP-1RA, has been evaluated in a phase 3 trial for the treatment of moderate to severe OSA in people with obesity, with promising results 4.
- Other pharmacological agents, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, and bronchodilators, may also have a positive effect on OSA, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects 2, 5.
Mechanisms and Pathophysiology
- OSA is a complex disorder with multiple pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment approaches may need to be personalized to address individual patient needs 5.
- Weight reduction is a standard recommendation for OSA treatment in people with obesity or overweight, and pharmacological obesity therapy may provide a way to eliminate the anatomic component in obese OSA patients 4, 3.