These findings pave the way for a drug treatment for people who cannot use conventional respirators.
The study included 298 patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea. A quarter of the participants received a placebo, while the rest received Sultium at varying doses. The trial was conducted in four European countries and was double-blind, meaning neither participants nor researchers knew who received the active treatment, to ensure the reliability of the results.
The results showed that patients who received higher doses of the drug experienced up to 47% fewer apneas and improved oxygen levels compared to the group that received the placebo.
Solthiam works to stabilize breathing control and increase respiratory drive, reducing the risk of airway obstruction during sleep. Most side effects were mild and temporary.
"We have been working on this treatment strategy for a long time, and the results show that sleep apnea can actually be treated pharmacologically," said Jan Heidner, professor of pulmonary medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. "This is an important achievement, and we now look forward to larger, longer studies to assess the sustainability of the effect and the safety of the treatment for larger patient populations."
Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airways collapse during sleep, leading to frequent pauses in breathing, decreased oxygen, and disrupted sleep. Over time, this increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
The standard treatment for this condition is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, but it can be difficult to tolerate for many patients. Studies indicate that half of patients stop using the device within a year due to discomfort or the mask's effect on sleep.
That solthiam was previouslylts worth noting approved to treat a form of epilepsy in children, and researchers are currently evaluating it as a treatment option for sleep apnea, potentially providing the first effective and safe drug treatment for this common and complex condition
The standard treatment for this condition is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, but it can be difficult to tolerate for many patients. Studies indicate that half of patients stop using the device within a year due to discomfort or the mask's effect on sleep.
That solthiam was previouslylts worth noting approved to treat a form of epilepsy in children, and researchers are currently evaluating it as a treatment option for sleep apnea, potentially providing the first effective and safe drug treatment for this common and complex condition
