Efficacy of Yohimbine as a Drug Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Project Abstract:
Obstructive sleep apnea OSA a chronic breathing disorder during sleep is a major public health concern because of its prevalence and many potentially lifethreatening sequelae Current standard treatment using continuous positive airway pressure CPAP to restore upper airway patency is effective but has a poor adherence rate whereas alternative treatments are generally less effective and not suitable for all patients Effective pharmacotherapy is currently an unmet need for the management of patients with OSA In this application we propose a novel drug treatment of OSA using a new timerelease formulation of yohimbine a prescription drug which historically has been used for offlabel treatment of erectile dysfunction ED In previous preclinical studies our consultant Dr Poon found that yohimbine an 2adrenergic blocker was highly effective in reversing the noradrenergicdependent decrease in hypoglossal activity during sleep particularly rapideyemovement sleep which is the primary cause of the hypotonia of upper airway muscles in OSA The purpose of this BBIC project is to perform a firstinman clinical evaluation of the efficacy of yohimbine therapy in adult OSA patients during sleep The results will provide a proofofconcept for the efficacy of yohimbine therapy in OSA patients as well as inform future development of a safetouse timerelease formulation of yohimbine These benchmark data will help attract investment interest from pharma and VC companies for further product development
