First Medication Approved for Sleep Apnoea in Australia
Mounjaro, previously used for type 2 diabetes, is now approved for treating obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia has granted approval for Mounjaro, the first medication designed to treat obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults with obesity.
The active ingredient in Mounjaro, tirzepatide, is primarily known for its application in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
With this new approval, Mounjaro can now be prescribed for moderately severe cases of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
Mounjaro's inclusion in the realm of sleep medicine marks a significant development; it is currently the only medication available for obstructive sleep apnoea in the country.
Despite this approval, it is important to note that Mounjaro has not been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, meaning it will only be accessible through private prescriptions.
In addition to its new indication for sleep apnoea, Mounjaro had previously received TGA approval for weight management in adults affected by obesity accompanied by related health conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, prediabetes, or sleep apnoea.
The medication is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes and is not approved for use in individuals under the age of 18.
Common side effects associated with Mounjaro may include gastrointestinal disturbances, injection site reactions, and potential low blood sugar levels.
Obstructive sleep apnoea represents the most prevalent sleep disorder, with an estimated 780,000 adults in Australia affected.
This condition is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing due to blockages in the upper airway during sleep.
According to Professor Brendon Yee, a respiratory and sleep physician at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and a participant in relevant clinical trials, this approval is a pivotal moment in sleep medicine.
Professor Yee noted that this marks the first opportunity for addressing the underlying causes of OSA in patients with weight-related issues.
Research indicates that over 70% of individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea also suffer from obesity, establishing a significant correlation between the two conditions.
The active ingredient in Mounjaro, tirzepatide, is primarily known for its application in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
With this new approval, Mounjaro can now be prescribed for moderately severe cases of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
Mounjaro's inclusion in the realm of sleep medicine marks a significant development; it is currently the only medication available for obstructive sleep apnoea in the country.
Despite this approval, it is important to note that Mounjaro has not been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, meaning it will only be accessible through private prescriptions.
In addition to its new indication for sleep apnoea, Mounjaro had previously received TGA approval for weight management in adults affected by obesity accompanied by related health conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, prediabetes, or sleep apnoea.
The medication is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes and is not approved for use in individuals under the age of 18.
Common side effects associated with Mounjaro may include gastrointestinal disturbances, injection site reactions, and potential low blood sugar levels.
Obstructive sleep apnoea represents the most prevalent sleep disorder, with an estimated 780,000 adults in Australia affected.
This condition is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing due to blockages in the upper airway during sleep.
According to Professor Brendon Yee, a respiratory and sleep physician at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and a participant in relevant clinical trials, this approval is a pivotal moment in sleep medicine.
Professor Yee noted that this marks the first opportunity for addressing the underlying causes of OSA in patients with weight-related issues.
Research indicates that over 70% of individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea also suffer from obesity, establishing a significant correlation between the two conditions.
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