Dual incretin analogue tirzepitide - SURMOUNTing the challenge of obesity induced obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent and underdiagnosed sleep disorder strongly associated with obesity. Traditional therapies such as continuous positive airway pressure are effective but often limited by poor adherence. Recent evidence suggests that tirzepatide, a dual glucagon like receptor-1 and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist, may offer a pharmacologic approach to OSA management through its weight-reducing and metabolic effects. This narrative review was conducted using a structured search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for English-language articles published up to May 2024. Keywords included "tirzepatide", "obstructive sleep apnea", "OSA", and "GLP-1 agonist". Clinical trials, systematic reviews, and relevant observational studies focusing on tirzepatide's role in OSA or obesity were included and thematically analyzed. Emerging evidence from the SURMOUNT-OSA and related trials indicates that tirzepatide leads to clinically significant reductions in body weight, apnea-hypopnea index, and systemic inflammation. The drug was found to be effective and also showed additional benefits in sleep quality and cardiovascular risk factors. Tirzepatide represents a promising pharmacologic advancement in the management of obesity-related OSA. By targeting both metabolic and structural contributors to OSA, it may serve as an adjunct or alternative to traditional therapies. Further research is warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes and to define its role in clinical practice guidelines.