Trending Now - Breakthrough Pill Offers New Hope for Sleep Apnea Patients
WHO:
Jan Hedner, senior professor of pulmonary medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, stated, "We have been working on this treatment strategy for a long time, and the results show that sleep apnea can indeed be influenced pharmacologically."
Ludger Grote and Kaj Stenlöf from the University of Gothenburg contributed to the research.
Jan Hedner, senior professor of pulmonary medicine at the University of Gothenburg
Ludger Grote, researcher at the University of Gothenburg
Kaj Stenlöf, researcher at the University of Gothenburg
Bayger AG, company that launched sultiame
Apnimed, U.S.-based company developing sultiame for sleep apnea
Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Japanese company collaborating with Apnimed
WHAT:
Patients who received higher doses of sulthiame experienced up to 47% fewer breathing interruptions during sleep compared to those given a placebo, along with improved oxygen levels overnight.
The study results suggest that sulthiame could become an effective option for sleep apnea, particularly for those unable to tolerate CPAP machines.
A clinical trial found that the anti-seizure medication sultiame significantly improved symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in participants.
The trial involved 298 patients with untreated, moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Participants taking sultiame experienced up to a 47% reduction in apnea events.
The study followed a double-blind design, with one quarter of participants receiving a placebo.
The results were published in The Lancet.
WHERE:
The clinical trial took place across four European countries.
University of Gothenburg, Sweden, played a significant role in the study.
WHEN:
The study results were published in 2026.
The Phase II trial lasted for 15 weeks.
The study results were published in 2026.
WHY:
Untreated sleep apnea raises the risk of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Obstructive sleep apnea affects roughly 12% of U.S. adults and can lead to serious health issues if untreated.
Many patients cannot tolerate CPAP machines, which are the most common treatment for OSA.
HOW:
Sulthiame appears to work by stabilizing the body's control of breathing and increasing respiratory drive, which helps lower the likelihood of upper airway collapse during sleep.
Sultiame works by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase, stabilizing the body's control of breathing, and increasing respiratory drive.
The trial involved randomizing participants to receive either a placebo or varying doses of sultiame before bed.
(UPDATED March 12, 2026 01:28 UTC)
In a significant breakthrough for sleep apnea treatment, researchers from the University of Gothenburg have found that patients receiving higher doses of sulthiame experienced up to 47% fewer breathing interruptions during sleep compared to those on a placebo, along with improved oxygen levels overnight. Senior professor Jan Hedner noted that this study suggests sulthiame could be an effective option for those who struggle with CPAP machines, addressing a condition that raises the risk of serious health issues like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The findings, published earlier this year, indicate that sulthiame works by stabilizing the body's control of breathing and enhancing respiratory drive, which helps prevent upper airway collapse during sleep.
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(UPDATED March 11, 2026 23:07 UTC)
A recent clinical trial has shown that the anti-seizure medication sultiame significantly improved symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in participants, with those taking the drug experiencing up to a 47% reduction in apnea events. Conducted across four European countries and led by researchers from the University of Gothenburg, the study involved 298 patients and followed a double-blind design, with one quarter receiving a placebo. The results, published in The Lancet, highlight a promising alternative for the roughly 12% of U.S. adults affected by sleep apnea, especially for those who struggle with traditional CPAP treatments.