Study summary

Tirzepatide cut breathing pauses by about 25 to 29 an hour

Tirzepatide trials · Two phase 3 trials (SURMOUNT-OSA) · Published 2024; approved for sleep apnea in the US

25.3 vs 5.3fewer breathing pauses an hour, tirzepatide vs placebo

What was tested

Tirzepatide, a weekly weight-loss injection, against placebo for a year in adults with obesity and moderate to severe sleep apnea, with and without CPAP.

What they found

In people not using CPAP, pauses fell by 25.3 an hour with tirzepatide and 5.3 with placebo.
In people using CPAP, they fell by 29.3 and 5.5.
It is the only medicine with an FDA approval for sleep apnea, and only for adults with obesity.

What it means

Proved that treating obesity treats much of the apnea. It does not help people whose apnea is not weight-related.

ConsultantLive ↗ ← Back to the outlook

Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.