The drug reduced breathing interruptions by about 44% among patients who were not using positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and by nearly 28% among those who were, Lilly said. After 52 weeks, roughly 32% of patients not using PAP and nearly 20% of those using it had reached remission or mild disease. The company’s account reported the first figure as “32%%.”

Lilly said Foundayo’s overall safety and tolerability profile was generally consistent with earlier trials. The most common adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal effects.

Thomas Seck, senior vice president of product development for Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, said obstructive sleep apnea is a common complication of obesity and is closely linked to cardiovascular disease. He said the study also showed improvements in several cardiovascular risk factors. Lilly shares rose 3.1% to $1,396.02 in morning trading.