Health Canada has granted approval to Zepbound, making it the first treatment in Canada specifically approved for adults with obesity who have moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.
The one-a-week medication from Eli Lilly Canada has received approval for use in conjunction with a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity for adults with a body mass index of 30 or greater.
The approval is being touted by its maker as a milestone in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which impacts breathing during sleep and may lead to various health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and daytime fatigue.
“As the first medication approved in Canada for moderate to severe OSA in adults with obesity, Zepbound represents an important new option for patients and clinicians,” Eli Lilly Canada president Mathilde Merlet said in a press release. “We will continue working with partners across the health system to support appropriate access.”…