The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia has approved Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a weight-loss drug, to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. The drug is now indicated for patients with moderate to severe OSA. This follows the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s earlier approval of tirzepatide for the same indication in 2023.
OSA is a prevalent sleep disease that affects about 1 billion people globally. It is caused by repeated airway blockages during sleep, which can lead to shallow breathing or pauses. This can disrupt the oxygen flow and strain the heart, and elevate the risk of serious metabolic and cardiovascular complications like stroke, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for OSA. Around 80% of individuals have this condition. Obesity increases the risk of developing sleep apnea by increasing the amount of fat in the neck area. It narrows the airway and affects breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can lead to weight gain by altering the hormones that regulate the fullness (leptin) and hunger signals (ghrelin). Fatigue from poor sleep may reduce physical activity, further complicating weight management.
Weight loss is considered essential in the management of sleep apnea. It can significantly decrease the symptoms and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Achieving and maintaining weight loss through lifestyle changes can be a challenging task. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the first-line treatment for managing mild to severe OSA. It delivers pressurized air through a mask to stabilize breathing and improve sleep quality. Many individuals find CPAP machines unattractive, uncomfortable, and difficult to use daily, which leads to inconsistency.
Mounjaro is also known as Zepbound. It is a dual agonist of the gut glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. It regulates the food intake, appetite, and blood glucose levels. Tirzepatide mimics the same effects, helping people feel full after small meals, which can lead to weight loss.
A study of 469 individuals with mild to severe OSA and obesity found that a year of use of the tirzepatide drug led to a 60% decrease in sleep apnea severity in comparison to a 3% decrease in placebo-treated individuals. Tirzepatide is also associated with improvements in key metabolic markers like reduced blood pressure, increased insulin sensitivity, and decreased systemic inflammation. It can improve the respiratory function and protect against metabolic and cardiovascular complications.
Mounjaro has increased interest as a potential treatment for sleep apnea. Gastrointestinal side effects like loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea are common in patients who are taking this medication. Some patients may also experience gallbladder problems. Importantly, Mounjaro is not recommended for patients whose OSA primarily stems from anatomical factors, such as a narrow upper airway or structural abnormalities, like an enlarged soft palate. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as upper airway surgery and mandibular advancement devices, may be required for these patients.
Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme does not currently cover Mounjaro and is available only through a private prescription, with costs starting at approximately AUD 395 per month. While the approval marks a promising advancement, it remains uncertain whether Mounjaro will significantly reshape sleep apnea treatment in Australia.
Reference: Fatima Y, Aouira N. The weight loss drug Mounjaro has been approved to treat sleep apnoea. How does it work? The Conversation. Published June 12, 2025. Accessed June 13, 2025. The weight loss drug Mounjaro has been approved to treat sleep apnoea. How does it work?
