A late-stage clinical trial has found that a daily weight-loss pill can significantly reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in overweight adults, offering a potential alternative to traditional CPAP machines.
Eli Lilly’s Foundayo reduces OSA severity in trial
Eli Lilly announced on Monday that its weight-loss pill Foundayo significantly reduced the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity or overweight, based on results from a late-stage trial. The drug, which received U.S. approval in April, is now being evaluated for potential approval to treat OSA. The trial included 712 participants across two studies, with one group consisting of patients unable or unwilling to use positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and another group continuing PAP treatment during the study. Participants taking Foundayo experienced a reduction in OSA severity, alongside improvements in blood oxygen levels, body weight, blood pressure, and inflammation markers.
GLP-1 medication slashes breathing interruptions in study
A separate study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Chicago examined the effects of orforglipron, a GLP-1 medication, on OSA symptoms. Participants taking the pill experienced 18 fewer breathing interruptions per hour on average after one year. The medication also led to significant improvements in sleep quality, blood oxygen levels, body weight, blood pressure, and inflammation markers. Orforglipron, developed by the makers of Mounjaro, received regulatory approval in the UK in August but is not yet available on the NHS.
How the treatments work
Both Foundayo and orforglipron belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and metabolism. These medications have gained prominence for their weight-loss effects, with some users losing more than 12% of their body weight in 16 months. For OSA patients, the drugs may help by reducing fat deposits in the airway and improving respiratory function during sleep.
Current treatment limitations
Obstructive sleep apnoea affects nearly 1 billion adults globally, including 80 million people in the U.S. and 8 million in the UK. The condition is linked to serious health risks, including hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. The standard treatment, CPAP machines, use mild air pressure to keep airways open but are often uncomfortable, leading nearly half of patients to discontinue use. Foundayo and orforglipron could provide a more accessible and tolerable alternative for those struggling with traditional therapies.
Next steps for approval and access
Eli Lilly plans to submit its findings to the U.S. FDA by the end of the year to seek approval for Foundayo as an OSA treatment. Meanwhile, orforglipron has been approved in the UK but remains unavailable on the NHS pending further evaluation. If approved, these medications could expand treatment options for millions of patients who currently have limited alternatives.