N Engl J Med

ADA 2024: Tirzepatide significantly improves sleep apnea and cardiovascular outcomes

June 26, 2024

Adults with obesity who took tirzepatide experienced an improvement in their moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Moreover, CV risk factors like body weight reductions and systolic BP were also improved. The findings were presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 84th Scientific Sessions and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study

Adults with moderate-to-severe OSA and obesity who weren't receiving treatment with positive airway pressure (PAP) at baseline were enrolled in trial 1, and those who were receiving PAP therapy at baseline were enrolled in trial 2. Participants were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the maximum tolerated dose of tirzepatide (10 mg or 15 mg) or placebo for 52 weeks. Primary end point was the change in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from baseline.

The findings

At baseline, the mean AHI was 51.5 events per hour in trial 1 and 49.5 events per hour in trial 2, and the mean BMI was 39.1 and 38.7, respectively. In trial 1, the mean change in AHI at week 52 was -25.3 events per hour with tirzepatide and -5.3 events per hour with placebo, for an estimated treatment difference of -20.0 events per hour (P<0.001).

In trial 2, the mean change in AHI at week 52 was -29.3 events per hour with tirzepatide and -5.5 events per hour with placebo, for an estimated treatment difference of -23.8 events per hour (P<0.001).

Authors conclude that tirzepatide shows promise at treating both obesity and sleep apnea and may be effectively used alongside or independently of CPAP. Future studies should explore the long-term benefits of tirzpeatide.

Sources:

Malhotra A, et al; SURMOUNT-OSA Investigators. (2024, June 21). N Engl J Med. Tirzepatide for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38912654/

(2024, June 21). American Diabetes Association. Use of tirzepatide shown to improve sleep apnea and cardiovascular outcomes. [Press release]. https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/use-tirzepatide-shown-improve-sleep-apnea-and-cardiovascular-outcomes