The standard treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP machine, which uses a mask to deliver pressurized air that keeps the airway open during sleep. Unfortunately, many sufferers find CPAP machines too cumbersome to use consistently, and as a result may not fully reap the benefits of treatment. Now, Apnimed, a pharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Mass., has developed a medication known as AD109, designed as an alternative for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP machines. In those living with mild, moderate and severe sleep apnea, AD109 helps to keep the airway more open during sleep by targeting the underlying dysfunction between the brain and throat muscles. The once-daily pill combines the drugs aroxybutynin, which controls muscle signals, and atomoxetine, which increases levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Together, they’re designed to work to help stabilize the upper airway during sleep, improving breathing and oxygenation overnight. In a clinical trial, the most frequently reported side effects were dry mouth and insomnia, but no serious adverse effects were reported. If AD109 is approved by the FDA, it could potentially help tens of millions of people worldwide to sleep better and avoid all of the negative consequences of obstructive sleep apnea. While timelines can vary, a standard review typically takes around 10 months, which means the pill could be on the market in early 2027.
