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Repurposed Epilepsy Drug Cuts Sleep Apnea Events by Up to 47% in Phase II Trial

Investigators call for larger, longer studies before the repurposed anticonvulsant is considered for routine care.

Overview

  • The double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled about 298 adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea across multiple European centers.
  • Sulthiame produced dose-dependent reductions in nighttime breathing interruptions, with the highest dose achieving roughly a 47% decrease versus placebo.
  • Participants on the drug showed improved overnight oxygen levels and better sleep-related measures compared with those on placebo.
  • Side effects were mostly mild and transient, and investigators highlighted 200 mg as a likely balance between efficacy and tolerability.
  • Sulthiame inhibits carbonic anhydrase to stabilize respiratory control, offering a potential option for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, with larger trials and regulatory decisions still ahead alongside other drug approaches such as tirzepatide and Apnimed’s AD109.