Goodbye CPAP? New sleep apnea pill cuts breathing events by 44%
A once-nightly pill cut breathing interruptions by about 44% in a major phase 3 sleep apnea trial, while improving oxygen levels and disease severity. By strengthening the muscles that keep the airway open during sleep, AD109 could offer a new option for people unable to tolerate CPAP.
A new sleep apnea pill, AD109, has shown promising results in a large clinical trial, cutting breathing events by 44 percent. The drug, which targets neuromuscular problems contributing to airway collapse during sleep, was presented at the 2026 ATS International Conference. In the SynAIRgy trial, 646 adults with mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) participated, all of whom had either refused or were unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment.
Among those who took AD109, the apnea-hypoxia index, a measure of breathing interruptions per hour, fell by about 44 percent, compared to an 18 percent reduction in the placebo group. The benefits were observed across various patients, including those with different disease severities and body types. AD109, a combination of aroxybutynin and atomoxetine, showed an acceptable safety profile with mild and expected side effects, such as dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, and difficulty urinating.
About 21 percent of patients discontinued the treatment due to side effects. If approved by the FDA, AD109 could provide another option for patients who cannot use or tolerate CPAP, addressing the gap in OSA treatment.
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