People who have a tough time with 'sleep apnea' may soon be able to find relief from their troubles.
As per Forbes, Cambridge-based biotech Apnimed is preparing to file for U.S. FDA approval for an oral medication designed specifically to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If approved, the pills could be on the market as early as 2027.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
This is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. As per Mayo Clinic, people with OSA repeatedly stop and start breathing while they sleep. These breath pauses are known as apneas.
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Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway. This can happen a number of times during sleep. As per Forbes, an estimated 80 million adults in the U.S. alone are linked to this sleeping disorder. Cleveland Clinic reported that OSA affects up to 1 billion people around the world who are between the ages of 30 and 69.
As per research, it has been found that people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to develop heart trouble, strokes and perhaps even Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, Forbes reported.
Symptoms:
The following are some of the common symptoms of OSA during night.
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- Frequently waking up in the middle of the night
- Pauses in breath while asleep
- Waking up out of breath
- Snoring
- Night sweats
- Restlessness
In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. This medication was to be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.