Sleep Apnea Pill Offers Hope to Mask Wearers
New drug combo shows promise in clinical trials, possibly revolutionizing treatment.
For countless individuals tethered to CPAP machines, a simple pill to combat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may soon be a reality, thanks to encouraging results from a recent clinical trial.
OSA: A Global Health Challenge
Obstructive sleep apnea impacts an estimated one billion people globally. This condition involves repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to reduced blood oxygen levels and potential long-term health risks such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and sudden cardiac death.
Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure by nearly 50%, according to the American Heart Association.
While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines remain the standard treatment, many patients struggle with the discomfort and inconvenience of wearing a mask nightly.
Breakthrough Drug Combination
Scientists in Boston have discovered that a combination of two existing drugs can effectively maintain an open upper respiratory tract by stimulating key muscles, including the genioglossus, a major tongue muscle.
The first drug, Atomoxetine, approved by the FDA in 2002 for treating ADHD, boosts norepinephrine levels. A decrease in this neurotransmitter during sleep contributes to the loss of muscle tone in the upper airway of individuals with sleep apnea. The second drug,aroxobutynin,is a modified version of a medication used for overactive bladder.It functions by blocking acetylcholine receptors, preventing this neurotransmitter from inhibiting the nerve that innervates the genioglossus muscle.
APNIMED’s Clinical Trial Success
APNIMED, a company founded in 2017 to commercialize this finding, conducted a large-scale trial in 2023. The study involved 646 participants with OSA, randomly assigned to receive either the drug AD109 or a placebo for six months. Results showed that treated participants experienced 56% fewer episodes of stopped or slowed breathing during sleep compared to the placebo group.
Notably, 22% of treated patients achieved complete control of their sleep apnea, defined as fewer than five obstructive episodes per hour. The company also reported that AD109 significantly reduced the depth and duration of periods of low blood oxygenation, a critical factor linked to cardiovascular complications.
Consult yoru doctor if you suspect you have sleep apnea. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term health complications.
It’s vital to note that this six-month trial did not assess the long-term effects of the drug on cardiovascular risks associated with OSA. scientists also caution about potential side effects of atomoxetine, a stimulant that may slightly increase heart rate and diastolic blood pressure.
Looking Ahead
While further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and risks, this new drug combination offers a promising choice for individuals struggling with CPAP therapy and could potentially transform the treatment landscape for obstructive sleep apnea.
