People with sleep apnea may soon be able to get a good night’s sleep without the need for cumbersome breathing devices, as a massachusetts-based biotechnology startup is preparing to submit an application to the U.S. Food and drug Administration (FDA) for the frist oral medication used to treat this common and serious disorder.
According to Fox News, the drug-
The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, as it keeps the airway open during sleep. However, a large number of patients find the device uncomfortable or annoying, leading to poor adherence to treatment or complete cessation.
In 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the weight loss drug Zepbound for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in obese adults, but the…
People suffering from sleep apnea may soon be able to enjoy restful sleep without the need for cumbersome breathing devices, as a biotech startup in Massachusetts is preparing to submit a request for approval to the U.S. Food and drug Administration (FDA) for the first oral medication used to treat this common and serious disorder.
According to Fox news, experts estimate that around 30 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during the night, leading to fragmented sleep and reduced sleep quality, and is associated with serious long-term health complications.
Two Types of the Disorder
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the most common and occurs due to a blockage of the airway during sleep, and central sleep apnea, which results from the brain failing to send the necessary nerve signals for breathing, and is often associated with other health conditions.
Dr. Paul Muchowski, a sleep expert in San Francisco, stated that repeated breathing cessation leads to short and frequent awakenings during the night, disrupting the natural structure of sleep and reducing the deep sleep stages necessary for restoring the body’s energy.
He added that those affected often wake up feeling weary and unrefreshed, which can manifest as irritability, poor concentration, and declines in cognitive abilities and memory, in addition to headaches.
He also noted that the condition increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Arduous Diagnosis
Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study conducted in a specialized lab, where devices are used to monitor the activity of the heart, lungs, and brain, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Despite the seriousness of the condition, many sufferers do not realize they have it, according to experts, d