The Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE:LLY) weight loss drug Tirzepatide, known as Zepbound and Mounjaro, has also been shown in two trials to help improve the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Tirzepatide "meaningfully improved" sleep apnea symptoms in obese people and those with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with and without positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.
Based on results from a pair of phase-three clinical trials, Lilly said it plans to submit the data for global regulatory reviews.
Tirzepatide is an approved glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) treatment for chronic weight management in the US and some overseas markets.
Between 18 million and 40 million US adults have OSA, according to different sources, with more than 20 million living with moderate-to-severe OSA.
"However, 85% of OSA cases go undiagnosed and therefore untreated," said Jeff Emmick, Lilly's senior vice president for product development.
"Addressing this unmet need head-on is critical, and while there are pharmaceutical treatments for the excessive sleepiness associated with OSA, tirzepatide has the potential to be the first pharmaceutical treatment for the underlying disease."