Anvisa approves the use of Mounjaro for sleep apnea treatment

Mounjaro, an injectable medication containing tirzepatide used to treat type 2 diabetes, has been approved for sleep apnea treatment. According to the manufacturer, Eli Lilly, it is the first drug validated as a therapy for sleep apnea in Brazil. Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated episodes of irregular breathing due to complete or partial blockage of the upper airways, leading to symptoms like snoring, recurrent awakenings, and daytime sleepiness. The approval of Mounjaro for sleep apnea is seen as a transformative milestone for patients, as it is an underdiagnosed condition with limited treatment options, explained Luiz André Magno, Lilly’s senior medical director.