BACKGROUND:  Approximately 45% of normal adults snore at least occasionally, and 25% snore habitually. Snoring not only adversely affects the health of the snorer, but it is exceptionally disruptive of the sleep patterns of their partners. In addition, 2-4% of adults suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, which is a disorder of repetitive upper airway collapse and is particularly common in middle-aged and older males and in postmenopausal females with an incidence of 4-6%. Current treatments for snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea are limited. The most effective interventions for sleep apnea are expensive machines providing continuous airway pressure requiring wearing a face mask during sleep, intrusive dental appliances, and surgical procedures. Due to the invasive nature of these procedures and their side effects, treatment compliance is low.

INNOVATION:  Researchers at UCLA have identified a generic pharmaceutical compound that treats snoring, sleep apnea and other motoneuronal-related neuromuscular dysfunctions such as disorders of breathing movements and other bodily movements. The compound targets the genioglossus muscle that controls tongue movement and stiffness. Proper functioning of this muscle is critical for preventing partial or complete closure of the upper airway, which leads to snoring or apnea (absence of breathing) during sleep.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Pharmaceutical intervention to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
• Possibility to also treat spinal cord injury and motoneuron diseases, or ameliorate symptoms associated with diseases of demyelination, i.e. multiple sclerosis

ADVANTAGES

• Novel and effective method to treat snoring
• A pharmaceutical intervention will reduce or eliminate the need for the current invasive and expensive treatments of sleep-related breathing disorders
• Aids restoration of other motoneuron-related conditions
• The compound has already been FDA approved for a distinctly different use with long-standing demonstration of safety
• Generic compound
• Lower cost
• Increased patient compliance

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  The compounds have been tested in vitro as well as in living, anesthetized adult rats.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2008-693