via Wikipedia
A drug in development for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has shown promising results, after researchers from Flinders University tested the treatment in people for the first time.
Designed to prevent the narrowing or collapse of the upper airways during sleep, a key factor in OSA, the treatment could prove to be a potential alternative for certain people with OSA to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which can only be tolerated by about half of all OSA sufferers.
“While further rigorous clinical evaluation and testing is required, this is a great first step and should offer some hope to the many people worldwide who suffer from sleep apnoea,” says study senior author Professor Danny Eckeart, Director of Flinders’ sleep lab FHMRI: Sleep Health.
“OSA is one of the most common sleep-related breathing disorders, with an estimated one billion sufferers, and when untreated is associated with major health and safety consequences. While CPAP machines are effective, tolerance remains a major issue for many and other treatments such as dental splints and upper airway surgery don’t always work. This is why we need new treatment options for OSA.
“At the moment, there are no approved drug treatments for OSA. However, with advances in our understanding of the different reasons people get OSA, the potential for effective new medications is growing stronger each year.”
Published in the journal Chest, the study tested the drug on 12 people with OSA using either nasal drops, a nasal spray or via direct application using an endoscope, versus a placebo.
Monitoring for sleep and airway activity across several sessions, the team found consistent and sustained improvements in the patients’ airways staying open throughout sleep, compared to the placebo treatment, regardless of the delivery method used.
“Although a small study, our findings represent the first detailed investigation of this new treatment in people with OSA, with promising results,” says study lead author Dr Amal Osman from FHMRI: Sleep Health.
“The drug we tested is designed to target specific receptors that are expressed on the surface of the upper airways, triggering them more easily to activate the surrounding muscles to keep the airway open during sleep. While there’s still a long way to go in terms of clinical testing and development, our study shows targeting these receptors may be a promising avenue for future treatments.”
Original Article: Could a nasal spray treat sleep apnea?
More from: Flinders University
The Latest Updates from Bing News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Obstructive sleep apnoea
- What works best for insomnia and sleep apnoea? Light therapy, sleeping pills, CPAP machine or surgery?
CNA Lifestyle asks local doctors about the sleep aids featured in a new documentary based on sleep research by Flinders University in Australia – and whether they’ll work for you.
- ATS 2024: New ResMed-Supported Research Shows Increasing Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Critical Role of PAP Therapy
Where: San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) | 111 Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | 333 West Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 Research: 26 ResMed-supported abstracts will ...
- Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Your child could have pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) -- a blocking of the airways that affects breathing and disrupts sleep. What is pediatric OSA? Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA ...
- Home testing devices for sleep apnoea backed for NHS use
Five home-testing devices for obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), a potentially dangerous condition affecting 2.5 million adults in the UK, have been recommended for NHS use by NICE.
- New at-home devices to test for sleep apnoea to be approved for NHS use
New devices which can test whether an adult has obstructive sleep apnoea are set to be rolled out across the NHS after being recommended by the health spending watchdog.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Sleep apnea treatment
- ATS 2024: New ResMed-Supported Research Shows Increasing Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Critical Role of PAP Therapy
Where: San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) | 111 Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | 333 West Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 Research: 26 ResMed-supported abstracts will ...
- Sleep apnea linked to memory and thinking problems, reveals study
People who experience sleep apnea may be more likely to also have memory or thinking problems, according to a preliminary study released today, March 3, 2024, that will be presented at the ...
- Study Uncovers Hidden Link Between REM Sleep Apnea and Memory Decline in Alzheimer’s
New research identifies unique factors in elderly individuals at risk for Alzheimer's, paving the way for tailored interventions. A study conducted by a team from the University of California, Irvine ...
- Treatment options for people with sleep issues include CPAP, Inspire devices
Snoring, whether it's you or your partner, can be disruptive to a good night's rest. It can also be an indication of sleep apnea. Here is how you can address it.
- Study links sleep apnea severity during REM stage to verbal memory decline
A research team has revealed the link between the frequency of sleep apnea events during the rapid-eye-movement stage and the severity of verbal memory impairment in older adults at risk for Alzheimer ...