Experimental weight loss drug could help address nighttime sleep disruptions affecting millions with sleep apnea
Trial results on sleep apnea
Two clinical trials found that retatrutide significantly lowered breathing interruptions and other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. The findings were published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Cardiologist Dr. Virend Somers discussed the drug’s effects in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Retatrutide also reduced cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation.
A common, often undiagnosed condition
Obstructive sleep apnea affects more than 50 million people in the United States, the National Sleep Foundation says. About 80% of cases are undiagnosed. The condition involves repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. The reported trial findings suggest retatrutide may improve both these disruptions and other symptoms.
Drug remains under evaluation
Retatrutide is being studied in phase 3 TRIUMPH trials as a possible treatment for obesity and related metabolic conditions. It has not been approved by the FDA.
Key points
- Two clinical trials reported fewer breathing interruptions and other sleep apnea symptoms with retatrutide.
- Obstructive sleep apnea affects more than 50 million Americans, with about 80% of cases undiagnosed.
- Retatrutide is in phase 3 trials and has not been approved by the FDA.
- The FDA warned that unauthorized versions are being sold online for weight loss.