Lilly Announces Positive Phase 3 Results for Tirzepatide in Obesity-Associated Obstructive Sleep Apnea

▎Armstrong

On April 17, 2024, Eli Lilly announced the success of two Phase III clinical trials of tirzepatide in treating obesity with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). On June 21, detailed data from these two Phase III clinical trials were simultaneously published in the NEJM journal and at the ADA meeting.

After 52 weeks of tirzepatide treatment, in the first Phase III clinical trial, the primary endpoint AHI decreased by 22.6 compared to placebo, the secondary endpoint AHI reduction reached 50%, and body weight decreased by 16.8%. In the second Phase III clinical trial, the primary endpoint AHI decreased by 24.4 compared to placebo, the low waist endpoint AHI reduction was 56.4%, and body weight decreased by 17.8%.

Summary

Eli Lilly has submitted an application to the FDA for the treatment of OSA/obesity and will submit marketing applications to regulatory authorities in other countries around the world in the coming weeks. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have continuously made breakthroughs in expanding GLP-1 indications, including cardiovascular risk, heart failure, NASH, CKD, OSA, and are also exploring more indications such as Alzheimer's disease.