A medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes has now been approved for use in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity.
Share this @internewscast.com

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved the first medicine to treat sleep apnoea.

Mounjaro, which has the active ingredient tirzepatide, is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes.

However, the TGA has today expanded the drug’s usage to include obstructive sleep apnoea for adults living with obesity.

A medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes has now been approved for use in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity.
A medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes has now been approved for use in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity. (iStock)

This makes Mounjaro the first and only medicine for obstructive sleep apnoea in Australia.

The drug has not been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and will only be available through private prescription.

Mounjaro can now be used to treat moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults living with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.

Mounjaro has been approved to treat obesity in Australia.
Mounjaro has been approved to treat sleep apnoea in adults living with obesity. (CNN)

Mounjaro cannot be used to treat type 1 diabetes, or by children and teenagers under 18 years old.

Side effects associated with Mounjaro can include an upset stomach, injection site-related side effects, and low blood sugar. 

Obstructive sleep apnoea is the most common of all sleeping disorders and is thought to affect around 780,000 Australian adults.

It occurs when a person’s upper airway becomes blocked, causing breathing to be repeatedly interrupted during sleep. 

Dr. Brendon Yee, a specialist in respiratory and sleep medicine at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, participated in a clinical study on the use of Mounjaro for treating obstructive sleep apnoea.

Yee said the TGA decision was a “long-awaited development” in the field of sleep medicine.

“This marks the first instance where individuals suffering from weight-induced obstructive sleep apnoea can receive a medication that targets the root cause of their disorder,” stated Yee. 

“This marks a significant milestone in the treatment of this debilitating sleep disorder.

“Obstructive sleep apnoea can affect anyone, and obesity is the single greatest cause of the condition.

“At least 70 per cent of people living with obstructive sleep apnoea also live with obesity.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
This photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, shows the fire following Russia's drone attack in the Pryluky, Chernihiv region, Ukraine, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

Russian Attack Claims Five Lives, Including a One-Year-Old, Shortly After Trump Speaks with Putin

According to regional governor Viacheslav Chaus, at least five individuals, including a…
What's open and closed today for the June long weekend

What’s Operating and What’s Not on the June Long Weekend

The upcoming June long weekend marks the celebration of the King’s Birthday.…

Sussan Ley Responds to Comments from Former Liberal President on ‘Assertive Women’

Opposition leader Sussan Ley has encouraged “assertive women” to join the party…
'We're not coping': Family's emotional plea after son goes missing

“We’re Struggling”: Family’s Heartfelt Appeal as Their Son Disappears

The family of a missing Victorian man have issued a desperate plea…
German city's evacuation order lifted after World War II bombs defused

Evacuation in German City Ends After Successful Defusing of WWII Bombs

The city of Cologne in Germany has successfully completed the evacuation of…
'Disgusting abomination': Elon Musk blindsides Trump with explosive post

The Trump-Elon Friendship: Ending as Dramatically as it Began

The split between the President of the United States and the wealthiest…

How Donald Trump Is Mobilizing US Government Resources to Investigate Joe Biden

President Donald Trump has initiated an inquiry into his predecessor’s conduct, voicing…
Tesla suffers wipeout as investors walk away

Tesla Faces Setback as Investors Exit

Shares of Elon Musk’s electric car manufacturer have dropped by over 14…
The bodies of Breton and Triscaru were found in the toolbox at the bottom of Scrubby Creek two weeks after they were allegedly murdered.

Eyewitness Denies Role in Alleged Murder of Two People Found Drowned in Toolbox

A witness denies he is responsible for the murder of two people…
A teenager has died and his family have been seriously injured after two cars collided in Sydney's south-west.

Teenager Dies and Family Critically Injured in Truck Collision

A teenager lost his life and three of his family members suffered…

Australia vs Japan: Highlights from the World Cup Qualifier Match

The Socceroos have edged out Japan in a thrilling finish, virtually ensuring…
Lauren Tesolin-Mastrosa.

Additional Child Abuse Allegations Considered Against Author as Court Analyzes Novel in Detail

A Christian charity marketing executive accused of producing child abuse material may…