If you or someone you love has ever spent a night wrestling with a CPAP machine, or woken up feeling more exhausted than when you went to bed, you’ll know just how frustrating and debilitating sleep apnoea can be.
For years, the mainstays of treatment have been lifestyle changes, cumbersome devices, and, in some cases, surgery.
But now, there’s a new player on the field—and it’s making waves in the world of sleep medicine.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has just approved the first-ever medicine specifically for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in Australia.
The drug, known as Mounjaro (with the active ingredient tirzepatide), has already been making headlines for its effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight management in adults with obesity and related health conditions.
Now, it’s breaking new ground as the first and only medication in Australia officially approved to tackle OSA.
So, what does this mean for the estimated 780,000 Australian adults living with obstructive sleep apnoea? Let’s break it down.
A new hope for sleep apnoea sufferers
Obstructive sleep apnoea is the most common sleep disorder in Australia. It occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing repeated interruptions in breathing.
The result? Poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and a higher risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
For many, the root cause is excess weight—in fact, at least 70 per cent of people with OSA also live with obesity.
Until now, treatment options have been limited. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are effective, but can be uncomfortable and difficult to stick with.
Oral appliances and surgery are alternatives, but they’re not suitable for everyone. That’s why the TGA’s approval of Mounjaro is such a big deal.
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro isn’t entirely new to the medical scene. It’s been used to manage type 2 diabetes and, more recently, to help with weight loss in adults with obesity and related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, prediabetes, or sleep apnoea.
Now, it’s been given the green light for use in adults with moderate-to-severe OSA who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
The drug works by mimicking hormones in the body that help regulate blood sugar and appetite, leading to weight loss. Since obesity is the leading cause of OSA, addressing weight can have a significant impact on the severity of the condition.
Professor Brendon Yee, a respiratory and sleep physician at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, was involved in clinical trials of Mounjaro for OSA.
He describes the TGA’s decision as a ‘long-awaited development’ and a ‘significant milestone’ in the treatment of this debilitating disorder.
‘For the first time, people with weight-related obstructive sleep apnoea can be treated with a medicine that addresses the underlying cause of their condition,’ he says.
Who can access Mounjaro—and how?
There are a few important caveats. Mounjaro is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so it’s only available via private prescription.
This means it may come with a hefty price tag, at least for now. It’s also not suitable for everyone: it can’t be used to treat type 1 diabetes, nor is it approved for children or teenagers under 18.
As with any medication, there are potential side effects. These can include an upset stomach, reactions at the injection site, and low blood sugar.
It’s important to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your doctor before starting any new treatment.
What does this mean for the future of sleep apnoea treatment?
Mounjaro’s approval marks a turning point in our approach to OSA, especially for those whose condition is closely linked to obesity.
While it won’t replace CPAP machines or other established treatments overnight, it does offer a new option for people who have struggled to manage their sleep apnoea through traditional means.
It also highlights the growing recognition of the complex relationship between weight, metabolic health, and sleep disorders.
As research continues, we may see more medications and therapies that target the root causes of OSA, rather than just the symptoms.
What should you do if you think you have sleep apnoea?
If you’re waking up tired, snoring loudly, or your partner has noticed you stop breathing during the night, it’s worth having a chat with your GP.
Sleep apnoea is more than just an annoyance—it can have serious health consequences if left untreated. Diagnosis usually involves a sleep study, which can be done at home or in a clinic.
If you’ve already been diagnosed and are struggling with current treatments, ask your doctor whether Mounjaro might be suitable for you.
Remember, it’s not a magic bullet, but it could be a valuable tool in your sleep health toolkit.
Have your say
Have you or someone you know struggled with sleep apnoea? What’s your experience been with CPAP machines, weight loss, or other treatments?
Would you consider trying a medication like Mounjaro if it was available to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below—your insights could help others in our community who are facing similar challenges.
Also read: What is sleep apnoea and is it serious?
And What is the Price, it’s not on the PBS, so anyone using it will have to pay the FULL PRICE !!!!
Therefore it will be several years before it can become a replacement for the current CPAP Machine !!