Health Canada approves Zepbound for OSA

TORONTO – Health Canada has approved Eli Lilly Canada’s Zepbound for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Lilly says Zepbound is the first medication approved in Canada for this indication, offering a new option for people living with a sleep-related breathing disorder closely linked with obesity. “Zepbound's approval for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity represents a significant advancement in obesity medicine,” said Dr. R.J. Kamatovic, MD, CCFP, Niagara Medical Wellness Clinic. “Despite the high prevalence of OSA among individuals living with obesity, CPAP adherence and long-term utilization remains challenging for many patients. Expanding treatment options that address both excess weight and OSA may help close an important gap in care.” The approval was based on results from the SURMOUNT-OSA phase 3 clinical trials, which evaluated Zepbound for the treatment of moderate to severe OSA in adults with obesity, with and without positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy over one year. Results from the trials include:

• In adults unwilling or unable to use PAP therapy, Zepbound led to 25 fewer breathing disruptions per hour, compared to five fewer with placebo.
• For adults on PAP therapy, Zepbound led to 29 fewer breathing disruptions per hour, compared to six fewer with placebo.
• After one year, 42% of adults taking Zepbound without PAP therapy and 50% taking it with PAP therapy experienced remission or mild, non-symptomatic OSA.

Related: Lilly’s investigational GLP-1 reduces AHI by up to 36 events per hour in OSA patients.