The drug sulthiame reduces the number of breathing pauses and improves sleep quality in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, according to a European clinical study in which the University of Gothenburg played a significant role. The findings offer hope for a drug-based treatment for people who cannot tolerate CPAP breathing masks.
The study, published in The Lancet, included 298 patients with moderate to severe sleep apnoea. One quarter received a placebo, while the remaining participants were given sulthiame in different doses. The double-blind clinical trial was conducted in four European countries.
A possible breakthrough
The study found that patients receiving the higher doses of the drug had up to 47% fewer breathing interruptions and better oxygenation compared with those given placebo. Sulthiame works by stabilizing the body’s breathing control and increasing respiratory drive, thereby reducing the risk of the upper airway collapsing during sleep. Most side effects were mild and transient.
Jan Hedner, senior professor of pulmonary medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, has played a leading role in the study.
“We have been working on this treatment strategy for a long time, and the results show that sleep apnoea can indeed be influenced pharmacologically. It feels like a breakthrough, and we now look forward to larger and longer studies to determine whether the effect is sustained over time and whether the treatment is safe for broader patient groups,” says Jan Hedner.
Many struggle with CPAP
Sleep apnoea occurs when the upper airways collapse during sleep, causing repeated breathing pauses, oxygen deprivation, and disrupted sleep. Over time, untreated sleep apnoea increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Although the condition is common, there is still no drug that treats the underlying cause. The standard treatment – continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) – is highly effective but difficult for many to tolerate. Up to half of all patients discontinue CPAP within a year, as the mask can feel uncomfortable or disturb sleep.
Sulthiame is an existing medication previously approved for treating a form of childhood epilepsy, and is now being evaluated for sleep apnoea.
Source: University of Gothenburg
