Tirzepatide for sleep apnoea

The TGA has expanded the indications for tirzepatide to include the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstruc­tive sleep apnoea in adults living with obesity (BMI ≥30kg/m²). Tirzepatide, a long-acting glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is the first medica­tion indicated for obstructive sleep apnoea in Australia. It is available on private pre­scription. According to its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, its role in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea is by virtue of weight reduction, easing pressure on the chest and abdomen and reducing excess fat around the neck and throat.