Obstructive sleep apnea, which affects nearly a billion people worldwide, can lead to serious health complications such as high blood pressure, heart problems, strokes, and diabetes.

While Zepbound presents a promising new option, it may cause side effects including nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, necessitating careful consideration by healthcare providers.

Following the FDA's announcement, Eli Lilly's shares rose by 1.14% in after-market trading, reflecting investor optimism about the drug's potential impact.

Obesity is a major contributor to OSA, with effective weight management shown to improve symptoms and overall health outcomes for patients.

This approval, announced on December 20, 2024, makes Zepbound the first pharmacologic therapy specifically indicated for obstructive sleep apnea.

Eli Lilly is also providing savings cards and patient assistance programs to help eligible patients manage the costs associated with Zepbound.

The FDA has approved Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound for the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), marking a significant expansion of its use beyond obesity management.

The approval is expected to encourage insurance companies to cover the cost of Zepbound, which has previously been a barrier for many patients seeking effective treatment.

In clinical studies, Zepbound significantly reduced the frequency of breathing interruptions during sleep, with 42% of adults experiencing remission or reduced symptoms after one year of treatment.

Participants who continued using CPAP therapy saw a remarkable 62.8% reduction in breathing disruptions, averaging 30.4 fewer events per hour after 52 weeks.

Dan Skovronsky, Eli Lilly's chief scientific officer, highlighted the importance of this approval in addressing both obstructive sleep apnea and obesity, which are often underdiagnosed.

Experts emphasize the need for further research to establish Zepbound's superiority over traditional treatments like CPAP and to explore comprehensive treatment strategies for OSA patients.