Using bexagliflozin to treat sleep apnea in overweight or obese adults

Adipose Dysfunction, Imaging, Physiology, and Outcomes With SGLT2i's for Sleep Apnea: The ADIPOSA Study

Phase 4 Interventional Yale University · NCT05612594

This study is testing if a medication called bexagliflozin can help overweight or obese adults with sleep apnea breathe better while they sleep.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment164 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New Haven, Connecticut and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05612594 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bexagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, in reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in overweight or obese adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the drug or a placebo for six months, alongside standard clinical care. The study will measure various clinical and physiological traits related to OSA, including the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and changes in body fat distribution. The trial is conducted at two centers: Yale New Haven Health and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are overweight or obese adults with a clinically confirmed diagnosis of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Not a fit: Patients with non-OSA related sleep disorders or those with type 1 diabetes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve sleep quality and overall health for patients suffering from sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of SGLT2 inhibitors for sleep apnea is a novel approach, other studies have shown promising results with similar interventions in related conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to provide informed consent and stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
* Overweight or obese (body mass index 25-40 kg/m2)
* Clinically confirmed diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea by one of the following methods:

  a. Polysomnography: AHI ≥15/hour sleep or b. Home sleep apnea testing: Respiratory event index (REI) ≥15/hour sleep
* AHI: apnea-hypopnea index (apneas + hypopneas / total sleep time in hours)

Exclusion Criteria:

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

* Known non-OSA related conditions associated with sleep disordered breathing (e.g., central disorder of hypersomnolence, neurological, neuromuscular, or pulmonary disorder)
* Use of sleep-inducing medications (e.g. benzodiazepines, opiates, barbiturates)
* Type 1 diabetes mellitus
* History of diabetic ketoacidosis
* Known hypersensitivity reaction to bexagliflozin or any of its constituents or any contraindication to bexagliflozin use
* Severe, recurrent urinary tract or genital mycotic infections
* eGFR\<30mL/min/1.73m2 at time of or within 4 weeks of enrollment in the study
* Unable to complete/tolerate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to severe claustrophobia or metallic implants.
* Language barrier, mental incapacity, unwillingness or inability to understand.
* Females of childbearing potential who are pregnant, breast-feeding or intend to become pregnant.
* Currently or planning to take a SGLT2i prior to or during enrollment in the study
* Currently or planning to follow a ketogenic diet pattern ("keto diet) prior to or during enrollment in the study
* Currently or planning to follow an active weight loss program (including but not limited to use of supplements, medications, or surgery) prior to or during enrollment in the study
* Currently or planning to follow an intermittent fasting diet plan prior to or during enrollment in the study
* Currently or planning to take a GLP-1 receptor agonist prior to or during enrollment in the study .
* Existing lower limb ulcer (due to diabetes or any cause)
* Existing severe peripheral arterial disease with intermittent claudication and/or prior lower limb revascularization procedure
* Concomitant administration of UGT inducers
* Severe liver disease

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sleep Apnea
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.