The new indication is for adults with obesity and who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea.
A (National Health Surveillance Agency) approved the use of Mounjaro to treat sleep apnea in adults with obesity. The resolution was signed on Friday (17.Oct.2025) and published this Monday (20.Oct.2025) in the DOU (Official Gazette of the Union). Here’s the (464 kB –PDF).
Mounjaro has tirzepatide as its active ingredient and can only be sold with a prescription.
The new indication for the use of Mounjaro is for adults with obesity and who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea.
According to pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, patients who used the medication showed, on average, a 20% loss in body weight and had at least a reduction of 30 sleep interruptions per hour.
A phase 3 clinical study, carried out by the pharmaceutical company, demonstrated that tirzepatide was, on average, 5 times more effective than placebo in reducing respiratory interruptions in patients who were not using the CPAC (continuous positive airway pressure) device to help breathe at night.
What is sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated stops of breathing during sleep, caused by partial or total obstruction of the airways. These interruptions can last seconds and repeat several times per hour.
Causes of the disorder include obesity, anatomical changes (such as large tonsils and a retracted chin), aging, use of alcohol or sedatives at night, and genetic factors.
Symptoms include intense snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep.
