The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Zepbound, a medication by Eli Lilly and company for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity. 

The decision, announced on Friday, marks a significant development for millions of Americans dealing with the sleep disorder, which often overlaps with obesity.  

The New York Times reports that according to Eli Lilly, Zepbound, is designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The approval follows two clinical trials funded by the pharmaceutical giant, which revealed that the drug improved sleep apnea symptoms, such as reducing interruptions during sleep, compared to a placebo.  

Associate medical director at Yale Centers for Sleep Medicine, Dr Vivian Asare, described the FDA’s decision as a breakthrough, providing patients with “another option” beyond the limited treatments currently available.  

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, often due to a blocked airway. 

Common treatments include continuous positive airway pressure machines, which keep airways open but are often criticised for being uncomfortable and difficult to use consistently.  

For patients with obesity-related sleep apnea, weight loss is a key recommendation to ease symptoms. 

Zepbound’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, has proven to be highly effective for weight reduction, potentially making it a dual-purpose solution.  

Director of the NYU Langone Comprehensive Programme on Obesity, Dr Melanie Jay, said this approval “will only drive up demand.”  

The drug has already gained attention for its weight-loss benefits, but high demand has led to previous shortages.