Goodbye to sleep apnea: new oral treatment emerges that blows researchers’ minds

For decades, millions of people have gone to bed each night strapped to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks to manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). But now, a simple oral pill – still in the experimental phase – could shift the treatment paradigm. The drug, called AD109, has shown a 56% reduction in nighttime apnea episodes in a clinical trial involving 646 patients, and researchers aren’t hiding their excitement.

How does the new sleep apnea drug work?

Developed by the US-based company Apnimed, AD109 combines two already-known compounds: atomoxetine, a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD, and aroxybutynin, a derivative used to control overactive bladder. The combination targets the upper airway muscles – particularly the genioglossus – to reduce pharyngeal collapse during sleep, one of the main causes of OSA.

“We’re entering the era of precision medicine for sleep,” said Klar Yaggi, director of the Sleep Medicine Program at Yale, in comments reported by Les Numériques. Sigrid Veasey, a neurologist at the University of Pennsylvania, called the treatment “exciting,” noting that it not only reduces breathing disturbances but also lessens the severity of nighttime oxygen desaturation.

A revolution: no mask required

One of the most promising results is that 22% of trial participants achieved near-total control of the condition, with fewer than five breathing interruptions per hour – which qualifies as normal. Unlike other treatments that rely on weight loss, AD109 proved effective regardless of body mass index, a key factor in broadening its potential use.

Despite the enthusiasm, questions remain. The drug’s impact on daytime drowsiness – one of apnea’s most debilitating symptoms – has not yet been clearly established. And researchers caution that long-term side effects such as elevated blood pressure or sleep quality issues from atomoxetine use must be monitored closely.

Still, if current results hold, AD109 could receive approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2026, opening the door to global distribution. For the first time, a future without CPAP masks seems within reach – a quiet revolution in how millions face the night.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.