FDA Approves Tirzepatide (Zepbound) as First Drug to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The FDA has approved tirzepatide (Zepbound), a GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist, as the first drug to treat obstructive sleep apnea itself, whereas prior approved drugs such as modafinil only addressed daytime sleepiness. In the 52-week SURMOUNT OSA trial in adults with moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI at least 15) and BMI over 30, tirzepatide cut AHI about 20 events per hour more than placebo, with weight loss of roughly 18-20%. At the 15 mg weekly dose, OSA resolution occurred in 43% of those unable to tolerate CPAP and 51.5% of CPAP users; the label carries a boxed warning on thyroid C-cell tumors.