The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has granted approval for Mounjaro, a medication originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, to be used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in adults who are obese. This marks a significant advancement, as Mounjaro is now the first and only medicine in Australia specifically approved for OSA, which affects approximately 780,000 adults in the country.
Mounjaro works by addressing weight-related issues that contribute to OSA, allowing for a new treatment approach targeting the underlying causes of the disorder. The drug is indicated for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who suffer from moderate to severe OSA. However, it is important to note that Mounjaro has not been included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, meaning it will only be available through private prescriptions.
As with any medication, there are potential side effects, including nausea, injection site reactions, and low blood sugar levels. Additionally, Mounjaro is not suitable for those with type 1 diabetes or for individuals under 18 years of age.
Professor Brendon Yee, a respiratory and sleep physician from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and a participant in clinical trials for Mounjaro, described the TGA’s decision as a long-awaited breakthrough in sleep medicine. He highlighted that this new treatment allows for an approach that addresses the root cause of weight-related OSA, which is predominantly linked to obesity; at least 70 percent of those with OSA also suffer from obesity.
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to be interrupted. This approval of Mounjaro not only represents a milestone in the treatment of OSA but also offers new hope for many individuals struggling with this debilitating condition.