Sleep Apnea Drug Cuts Breathing Pauses by 44% in Trial

A new once-daily oral drug, AD109, reduced breathing pauses in sleep apnea patients by 44% in a large Phase 3 trial, potentially offering an alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. The six-month study, presented at a 2026 conference and published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, involved 646 adults across 69 US and Canadian centers. Over 40% of patients improved to a less severe apnea category, and 18% achieved full disease control. AD109 combines aroxybutynin and atomoxetine to keep throat muscles open during sleep. While CPAP remains the standard treatment, many patients find it difficult to use. The drug showed a mild side-effect profile, with 21% of participants discontinuing due to issues like dry mouth and nausea.