Tirzepatide

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Studies show Ozempic and similar GLP-1 medications reduce binge drinking by 50% and opioid overdoses by 40% in those with addiction. These drugs mimic hormones regulating blood sugar and satisfaction, potentially reducing cravings. Further research is needed to explore their full potential in addiction treatment.

The EMA determined Mounjaro's weight management approval includes benefits for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), eliminating the need for a separate OSA indication. Clinical data from two studies showed Mounjaro improves OSA symptoms by reducing weight, and the EMA will update product information to reflect this.

EMA's CHMP recommended 17 new medicines for approval in Dec 2024, bringing the total for 2024 to 114. Key approvals include Andembry* for hereditary angioedema, Beyonttra* for transthyretin amyloidosis, Kavigale for COVID-19 prevention in immunocompromised, Kostaive for COVID-19 prevention, Nemluvio for atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis, Rytelo* for myelodysplastic syndromes, Seladelpar Gilead* for primary biliary cholangitis, Welireg for von Hippel-Lindau disease, and three hybrid applications. CHMP also recommended extensions for eight medicines and biosimilar approvals. Re-examinations requested for Cinainu, Kizfizo*, and Keytruda. Updates include EMA's ETF statement on monoclonal antibodies and Alofisel withdrawal. CHMP concluded no separate OSA indication needed for Mounjaro.

Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug Mounjaro can update its label to show benefit in treating sleep disorder without separate EU approval due to its relation to obesity. The drug reduced irregular breathing frequency by 63% in trials. Lilly seeks similar approval in the U.S.

U.S. obesity rate fell from 46.2% to 45.6% in 2023, coinciding with the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss meds. The study, led by Benjamin Rader, found the most notable decrease in obesity was in the South, where GLP-1 medication dispensing rates were highest. The decline in obesity prevalence suggests an encouraging reversal from long-standing prior increases.

Eli Lilly's Mounjaro won't be reclassified as a sleep apnea treatment in Europe; its use for weight loss remains unchanged. The European Medicines Agency will include sleep apnea data in Mounjaro's product information. Lilly and Novo Nordisk compete for dominance in the obesity drug market, estimated to reach $130 billion by 2030. Mounjaro, branded as Zepbound in the US and Mounjaro in Europe, is also under FDA review for sleep apnea.

EU drug regulator EMA panel says Eli Lilly's weight-loss drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) doesn't need separate indication for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The European Medicines Agency stated Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug, Mounjaro, does not require separate approval for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity, as its use for weight management already covers this.